Kenya plans to reduce carbon emissions by a third by 2030. Currently, the country produces 143 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide. The goal is also to produce net carbon zero by 2050 to reduce the impact of carbon emissions on climate change. This mirrors the Safaricom goal to be net zero by 2050. One of the ways the company is doing this is by replacing diesel generators with solar panels.
The current national grid can be unreliable and companies that need power 24/7 need a reliable backup system. Diesel generators were the easiest way to accomplish this. However, this uses fossil fuels which contribute 75% of greenhouse gas emissions and 90% of all carbon emissions.
Switching from diesel generators to solar panels also helps neighbours exist in a calmer environment. The generators caused noise pollution every time there was a power blackout. The 2023 Sustainable Business Report showed that Safaricom now has 1432 solar panels up from 310 in 2022. Safaricom has 5300 base stations and hopes to get at least 50% of the stations running on renewable energy by 2050. In Ethiopia, the company has 31 solar-powered bases. Safaricom’s Sustainability Report Showcases Its Commitment To Becoming A Purpose-Led Tech Company – Here Are Highlights From The Report And Launch
Benefits of switching from diesel generators to solar panels
1. Affordability
Stephen Kiptinness, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Safaricom stated that switching to solar panels is more affordable. When the solar power initiative was started, the company focused on the companies that exclusively operated with fossil fuel. This is because their environmental impact was greater than plants that relied on the national grid.
Solar power installation requires a hefty initial investment. However, operational costs in the long run are cheaper. In total, solar power costs less because sunlight is free. Solar panels also require less maintenance than diesel generators. The cost of fuel is also increasing due to uncontrollable global shortages and local economic trends. Safaricom making a pre-emptive response to pivot energy sources will help them save up on operational costs.
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2. Efficiency
Solar panels are efficient energy sources. They can generate power up to 86% while the rest of the power is converted to heat. This is used to boil water and provide heat to cold homes and offices. Safaricom is taking advantage of the energy efficiency of solar power, using it to heat water in some plants.
The bases will also be transformed to modernise storage. The company will be installing more efficient rectifiers at 278 sites. In addition, hybrid systems will be installed at 450 sites to encourage battery deep-cooling and reduce diesel consumption. In the 2022/23 year, the cumulative power loss resulted in a net loss of 24 hours of power. This led to 1,000 sites shutting down and a million subscribers being affected. Energy efficiency will help circumvent such losses and help Safaricom prevent such operational losses.
3. More business opportunities for partners
Because of the transition from diesel to solar power, it may appear as though Safaricom is changing from diesel suppliers. However, the telco is working with their diesel suppliers to also help them transition to providing renewable energy. Kiptiness stated that Safaricom is training the suppliers to maintain solar panels. This also allows the suppliers to get more job opportunities.
4. Reducing the carbon footprint
Research shows that the telecommunications industry accounts for 3% of total carbon emissions. This is mostly from service provision and equipment use. A network base contains the radio tower which is what transmits phone signals and enables communication. This is vital for daily life. However, it doesn’t need to be impactful to the environment. Safaricom is taking steps to ensure that the telecom industry reduces its carbon footprint.
Check out:
Environment: 8 Ways You Can Fight Climate Change And Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Safaricom Releases Annual Sustainable Business Report With A Theme On Resilience Through Transition
Corporate Social Responsibility: Safaricom’s Contribution To Society
