INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology
Absa partners with Sun Exchange to fund solar-with-battery system for Bizweni Campus
Absa , one of South Africa ’ s largest financial services groups has joined forces with its employees and Sun Exchange , the global solar leasing platform , to fund a solar-with-battery system for Bizweni Campus . The 29 kW solar plus 44 kWh battery project , which is now providing clean and uninterrupted electricity , is helping to power a range of services provided by the Somerset West-based Bizweni Campus , which includes a preprimary school , primary school and a centre for children with disabilities .
The solar plant will reduce Bizweni ’ s municipal electricity bill by an estimated 30 % and the integrated battery will help protect the campus against load sheddingrelated disruptions . Over the project ’ s 20-year lifespan , Bizweni Campus will avoid about one million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions .
In addition , the cost savings achieved from reduced electricity expenses will provide an opportunity for Bizweni to grant an academic bursary to a high-performing Grade six student , this bursary will be utilised towards their Grade seven tuition fees in the coming year .
By deploying funds to drive sustainable energy , Absa is radically reducing the impacts of load shedding and rising energy costs for Bizweni Campus .
“ Absa recognises the pivotal role that it plays in shaping a sustainable future and the extent to which its business needs to reflect that in the operating choices it makes . We are pleased to be able to offer a solution that will make life better for the Bizweni Campus community while also guaranteeing the uninterrupted continuation of teaching and learning .
We are committed to driving positive change and our contribution highlights our continued effort in being an active force for good within the communities that we serve ,” said Johnson Idesoh , Group Chief Information and Technology Officer at Absa .
“ With our global community , Sun Exchange works at the forefront of unlocking the benefits of solar energy and energy storage for non-profit organisations , schools , and other organisations . With more sustainability-minded companies like Absa joining this community and stepping in to fund projects like this one , we can make the benefits of clean energy available to all ,” said Saul Wainwright , Managing Director at Sun Exchange .
“ Initiatives like these are a great demonstration of the leadership role of the private sector in addressing our most serious environmental and social challenges .”
Absa Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana , Ghana , Kenya , Mauritius , Mozambique , Seychelles , South Africa , Tanzania , Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce , Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Botswana , Kenya , Mozambique , South Africa and Zambia .
Sun Exchange has enabled solar power for over 80 businesses , farms , schools and other organisations in Southern Africa . Its solar projects have generated more than 19 gigawatt-hours of clean energy , avoiding more than 19,000 tonnes of carbon emissions . Individuals and businesses from 180 countries across the world use the Sun Exchange platform to buy and own solar cells , produce clean electricity and earn with purpose . p
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA 61