The Fresnel-collector with a thermal peak power of 272 kW is now connected to the district cooling system at the head office of MTN. Here the concentrating solar thermal collector is powering a double-effect absorption chiller with a cooling capacity of 330 kW.
The headquarters of MTN are thus air-conditioned environmentally friendly and the consumption of fossil fuels, whose prices have risen significantly in recent years, and emissions are reduced The construction of the plant in cooperation with REACH Renewable was commissioned in June 2014.
“MTN is acutely aware of the impact of global warming and its adverse impact on emerging markets including South Africa. We continuously explore ways in which we can lessen the impact of our operations on the environment as demonstrated by this initiative and other sustainable efforts we have undertaken in the past. This initiative will not only reduce our carbon footprint, but it will substantially reduce our electricity consumption, which will release additional capacity for the national grid,” says MTN´s General Manager Bulbulia.
Solar market in South Africa:
In South Africa, solar cooling or solar process heat is not widespread yet. However, the country has due to the excellent sun exposure a very large potential for industrial applications. The radiation levels are significantly better compared with Europe. Although no government subsidies for the purchase of solar technologies are available, the economics are improving due to rising energy prices and decreasing system costs and investments in renewable energies become more and more attractive.
Active network formation during the dena Solar Roofs Programme:
Industrial Solar GmbH sees itself not only as a manufacturer for Fresnel collectors, but also as a provider of complete solutions. "We took great importance to the local content to significantly increase on-site training of local workers and partners as well as the qualification of suppliers in order to implement future projects cheaper but also faster," explains Tobias Schwind Managing Director of Industrial Solar and adds: “Beside such solar cooling system, our state-of-the-art concentrating solar linear Fresnel technology can be used for various applications in all kind of industries where process heat and cold is required and thus has a large potential in South Africa.”
Frank Major, Managing Director of REACH Renewable, added: “A sustainable way of life is essentially inevitable. It is our responsibility and our commitment to design and develop innovative solutions that foster a sustainable use of our resources.”
Gabriele Eichner from German Energy Agency comments: “We are very happy that this innovative system generating green energy is now a part of the MTN strategy to reduce its carbon footprint. So this lighthouse project is a win-win-situation for all partners involved and the environment.”
About dena:
The Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH (dena) - the German Energy Agency - is the centre of expertise for energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and intelligent energy systems. dena's aim is to ensure that energy is used in both a national and international context as efficiently, safely and economically as possible with the least possible impact on climate. dena is working with stakeholders from the worlds of politics and business and from society at large to achieve this aim. Shareholders in dena are the Federal Republic of Germany, KfW Bankengruppe, Allianz SE, Deutsche Bank AG and DZ BANK AG
About the dena Solar Roofs Programme
The “dena Solar Roofs Programme” was developed by the Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH (dena) – the German Energy Agency. Launched in 2004, this programme, co-financed by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, supports German solar energy companies entering new markets. Within the framework of the programme reference and demonstration projects are installed on the roofs of designated institutions in different countries around the world. The installation is accompanied by comprehensive marketing and training programmes. These projects impressively present high-quality solar technology.
“renewables - Made in Germany”
The initiative "renewables - Made in Germany" was launched by the German Parliament in 2002 and is run by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. The main objective is to contribute to climate protection by stimulating the acceptance and use of renewable energy around the world.
By showcasing Germany's technical expertise in the field of renewable energy and by organising business trips to and from Germany, the export initiative facilitates business contacts between companies in Germany and abroad. The platform www.renewables-made-in-germany.com provides information about German renewable energy technologies and contact data of German suppliers.
About MTN Group
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 June 2013, MTN recorded 201.5 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. Visit us at www.mtn.com and www.mtnfootball.com
About REACH Renewable:
REACH Renewable is an innovative and dynamic company focusing on energy-efficient integrated comprehensive mechanical engineering solutions and turnkey EPC renewable energy system integration. REACH Renewable South Africa is part of the REACH GROUP Switzerland. www.reach-renewable.com