Energy
Schneider Electric’s BipBop access to energy program five times recognized at the Africa Forum
…100 innovations for sustainable development
RUEIL-MALMAISON – Schneider Electric announces that five projects in its BipBop (1) access to energy program have been chosen to participate in the “Africa Forum – 100 innovations for sustainable development” taking place in Paris on 4 and 5 December 2013.
This forum was initiated by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, prompted by the Deputy Minister responsible for Development, Pascal Canfin, in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD).
The “Africa Forum – 100 innovations for sustainable development” aims to highlight innovative concrete examples and practical solutions on a national or local scale, in such varied fields as health, the environment, agriculture and food safety, education and new technology. In addition to the entrepreneurial nature and economic viability of these innovations, their contributions to sustainable development and their social and environmental dimensions will be recognized. The event follows on from the Development and international solidarity forums, closed on March 1st 2012 by the French President. It is evidence of France’s support, via the AFD Group, for the promotion of innovative sustainable development in Africa.
Five projects developed by Schneider Electric in the context of BipBop, its access to energy program, were selected from the 100 projects presented:
– “Energy and Microfinance” project in Cameroon – Sponsored by the PAMIGA (Participatory Microfinance Group for Africa) association, in collaboration with Schneider Electric and the MIFED in Cameroon, this project consists of offering micro-credit solutions in rural and urban areas to finance the purchase of solar solutions. Such schemes can boost the economic development of individual tradesmen and small businesses. Schneider Electric provides solutions which meet the needs identified by microfinance institutions (MFIs) and entrusts its local partners Sorepco and Instrumelec to ensure respectively their distribution and installation, thus guaranteeing a qualitative service down to the end of the chain. The customers of these MFIs are offered two types of credit: “light” credits which offer low-energy solar lighting systems; and “energy” credits, designed to provide solar solutions suitable for the needs of an income-generating activity. This project has also been initiated in Tanzania and Ethiopia.
– The decentralized rural electrification project at Abu Monkar in Egypt – This Schneider Electric project, in partnership with Instrumelec, paved the way for development of the first solar power plant built in the Egyptian province of New Valley. The solar power plant at Abu Monkar, built more than 75 miles from the nearest grid, delivers 108 kWh/day, enough to meet all the village’s basic needs (school, mosque, homes, etc.). Schneider Electric also trains the residents of Abu Monkar to ensure optimal operation and maintenance of the power plant.
– « Pay-as-you-go » Solar Energy project in Nigeria – This project developed by TXTlite Nigeria LTD is sponsored by the Schneider Electric Energy Access Fund (SEEA) which provides equity injection or debt financing to local companies, to help them reach viability. Txtlite’s generation assets consist of “home power stations” and centralized management, control and billing infrastructure. Txtlite’s Power Box includes solar panels and a battery with built-in security chip against tampering and theft. It is a small portable kit for self-installation, which is available through the existing cellular sales channels. It provides electricity to off-grid population at the same price as kerosene cost. Regarding the second asset, Txtlite integrates to the MNO’s (Mobile Network Operator) billing systems and can easily integrate to mobile money, USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) or premium SMS.
– BrightBox project in Kenya –Schneider Electric across it’s Energy Access Fund (SEEA) sponsored One Degree Solar (ODS), which designs and manufactures micro-solar products for low-income households and small businesses across Africa. BrightBox is a micro-solar home system that powers up to 4 light bulbs and radios, phones, and virtually any USB-charged device.
– Decentralized Rural Electrification of Pitti-Gare in Cameroon – Schneider Electric implemented in Pitti-Gare village, Villasol, it’s solar-powered micro off-grid facility solution for decentralized rural electrification. This standardized solution consists in photovoltaic panels, a battery bank and a battery charging station that enable a communal recharge system. The facility supplies domestic, entrepreneurial and community needs such as schools, health centres, water supply, public lightings for around 100 households, without connection to the national grid. This project allows 300 people to access a clean energy.
“The strength of the BipBop program relies on the combination between the R&D capabilities of Schneider Electric and the engagement of our local employees who all know perfectly their own countries’ problematic and ecosystems. Answering the rural energy challenge is key both for the continent’s economical development and for the people who directly benefit from light, from a better agriculture, education or healthcare. It is an exciting challenge and I think all our employees who made these five BipBop projects happen can be very honored and proud to see their efforts recognized by the French government”, states Mohammed Saad, President of Schneider Electric in Africa.
In the context of the Forum, René Pierrot Ekoé, Sustainable Development Engineer at Schneider Electric Cameroon and sponsor of the “Energy and Microfinance” project, was selected with 20 other project sponsors to speak on 5 December 2013 and share the Group’s ideas on best practice.
MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide.
The company has also called on Nigerians to monitor and report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.
Biztellers reports that this is consequent upon an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.
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It was gathered that MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance.
In a statement on Monday night, the company declared, “Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: NG-FMKPMGWHISTLEBLOWING@NG.KPMG.COM”
Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, “We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol, with many expressing their gratitude to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.
A commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, Ibukun Phillips, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.
“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”
A commercial bus driver, Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.
“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.
A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”
As a direct implication of the Federal Government’s Foreign Direct Investment drive, the Royal Dutch Shell has completed the final investment decision on the deep offshore Bonga North project in Nigeria.
Biztellers reports that the Bonga North will be a subsea tie-back to the Shell-operated Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility which Shell operates with a 55% interest.
Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, Zoë Yujnovich, said, “This is another significant investment, which will help us to maintain stable liquids production from our advantaged Upstream portfolio”.
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It was gathered that the Bonga North project involves drilling, completing, and starting up 16 wells (8 production and 8 water injection wells), modifications to the existing Bonga Main FPSO and the installation of new subsea hardware tied back to the FPSO.
The company is optimistic that the project will sustain oil and gas production at the Bonga facility.
The Bonga North currently has an estimated recoverable resource volume of more than 300 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and will reach a peak production of 110,000 barrels of oil a day, with first oil anticipated by the end of the decade.
In addition, the Bonga North will help ensure Shell’s leading Integrated Gas and Upstream business continues to drive cash generation into the next decade.
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), has received an award as “Energy company of the year (2024)” for its Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility accomplishments.
The award presented by the Nigerian News Direct newspaper, on Friday December 6, 2024, and was received by Manager Communications, Chevron Nigeria and Mid-Africa Business Unit, Victor Anyaegbudike, at a colourful event at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
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The organizers of the award noted that Chevron has implemented the “Protecting People and the Environment” policy, which aims at preventing injuries, illnesses, and environmental incidents. They also referenced that the company has achieved 97% gas flaring reduction in its operations in Nigeria, while implementing waste management and environmental conservation programs.
According to the media organization, Chevron Nigeria has also invested millions of dollars in community development programs, supporting education, health and economic development initiatives that have benefited thousands of people, while ensuring diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement in its business operations.
Receiving the award from the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, Anyaegbudike thanked the organizers for the honour, and reiterated Chevron’s commitment to continue to develop, affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress around the world.
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