Telecommunications operator Orange, is advancing its solar projects in Africa and the Middle East (MEA) region in order to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2040.
According to a statement from Orange, the company is installing solar panels as many sites across the entire region are not connected to the electricity grid and when they are, the quality of the grid often requires alternative backup solutions.
To avoid using generators that run on fuel (fossil energy that emits CO2), Orange is putting in place several initiatives such as solar panels.
Orange Middle East and Africa CEO, Alioune Ndiaye said, “We are proud to be the first company by number of solar panels in 5 countries in Africa and the Middle East. As a stakeholder in the energy transition, Orange has included in its Engage 2025 strategic plan the objective of meeting 50% of the Group’s electricity needs from renewable sources by 2025. We are aiming for net zero carbon by 2040.”
As Orange moves to reduce its environmental footprint, it already deploying innovative solar solutions and the latest generation batteries with partners specializing in energy.
It is now the biggest deployer of solar panels, with a renewable energy use rate already at over 50% for Orange Guinea, 41% for Orange Madagascar and 40% for Orange Sierra Leone.
Orange says these solar panel solutions have also been or will soon be deployed in other African and Middle Eastern countries where Orange is present, like Liberia, for instance, where 75% of Orange’s telecom sites are equipped with solar panels. In total, Orange has installed solar panels at 5,400 of its telecom sites (some 100% solar, others hybrid) saving 55 million litres of fuel each year.
Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has around 130 million customers as at March 31, 2021. MEA is the Group’s main growth region. Orange, a multi-service operator, benchmark partner of the digital transformation, provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.
