INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Enterprise Security
FNB launches FNB Energy Solutions to provide energy-as-a-service through a Power Purchase Agreement
Monique Botha , FNB Sustainable Energy Lead says , “ FNB Energy Solutions focuses on helping businesses to address challenges such as energy security and rising electricity costs , while also supporting their efforts to meet their sustainability targets , all without significant upfront capital investments or the need to take on the management of their renewable energy assets .”
The foundation of the FNB Energy Solutions offering is its partnership approach . The model involves collaboration between FNB , as the funding provider for these projects , with expert technical and asset management partners that are established leaders in South Africa ’ s renewable energy industry .
On the technical side , development partners like ACES Africa , Nuvo Energy , Rhino Energy and RenEnergy bring expertise in solar PV , energy storage solutions and custom system design . For project facilitation and ongoing management , SOLINK and Matriarch provide specialised advisory services and ensure optimal asset performance .
FNB Energy Solutions retains ownership of the renewable energy infrastructure which is installed at a client ’ s premises by one of its development partners and managed by FNB Energy Solutions .
In a strategic move aimed at addressing the growing demand for affordable , reliable , and sustainable energy solutions , FNB in collaboration with strategic partners has launched FNB Energy Solutions , a renewable energy offering designed to ease the financial and administrative burden of renewable energy transition for South African businesses .
Businesses can acquire a comprehensive energy-as-a-service solution via a Power Purchase Agreement , PPA model where FNB Energy Solutions retains ownership of the renewable energy infrastructure and sells the energy produced to the client . The solution primarily focuses on solar photovoltaic , PV installations with or without battery back-up , but other renewable energy technologies can also be considered to meet specific client needs .
It is ideal for businesses that have significant daytime electricity demands , typically spending upwards of R200,000 per month on electricity . The minimum generation capacity provided is 300kW , which suits high-energy users that have sufficient roof space at their premises for the solar panels required .
This model allows businesses to bypass the need for large capital investments , as FNB Energy Solutions takes full ownership of the energy assets , removing the burden of capital expenditure from the client ’ s balance sheet .
While PPA embedded energy solutions are not new to South Africa , FNB Energy Solutions distinguishes itself in several key areas . While many providers in the market require 20 to 25-year commitments , FNB Energy Solutions typically offers shorter PPA ’ s , providing businesses with greater flexibility . This shorter-term approach allows companies to adapt their energy strategies as technology and market conditions evolve .
Cost savings are another focal point of the offer . FNB Energy Solution ’ s development partners are mandated to design efficient and costeffective solutions that potentially offer immediate financial benefits to clients . This focus on cost-effectiveness ensures that businesses can potentially see returns on their investment from day one .
FNB Energy Solutions also offers a unique path to ownership . After the fifth year , clients have the option to purchase the entire renewable energy plant at a predetermined price . p
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