Telkom invests in solar power for a sustainable future

SOUTH AFRICA – Telkom has ramped up its commitment to green energy by installing an additional 1 MWp of grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) technology at its Telkom Park head office in Centurion, bringing the total PV capacity at the site to 4.2 MWp.

This move is part of the company’s broader initiative to reduce reliance on high-cost, non-renewable energy and ensure an uninterrupted network.

According to Koenehelo Thejane, the capital projects executive of Telkom subsidiary Gyro, the installations are part of a multiyear strategy to deploy 3 MWp of solar PV capacity and battery storage across more than 1,000 telecommunications exchanges throughout South Africa.

The latest installation at Telkom Park and the Bellville complex in the Western Cape features 2,000 PV panels, each rated at 540 W, mounted on rooftops and parking areas, regulated by 12 Huawei inverters.

These systems support Telkom’s equipment’s direct current power needs, reducing its dependency on diesel generators during outages.

Telkom’s solar PV projects are a core element of the company’s comprehensive energy strategy, focusing on network energy resilience, operational efficiency, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

The solar installation at Telkom Park complies with the City of Tshwane’s small-scale embedded generation requirements, including safety mechanisms that prevent electricity from feeding back into the grid during load-shedding.

These green energy initiatives contribute to reductions in Telkom’s Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, helping the company meet its 4.2% annual emissions reduction target as part of its science-based targets initiative.

Telkom aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and reach net-zero emissions by 2040.

“Our sustainability efforts extend beyond environmental responsibility. It’s about delivering shared value for all stakeholders and creating a better, more sustainable future,” Thejane added.

This trend of telecommunications companies adopting solar solutions is not limited to Africa. Vodafone Germany, for example, recently announced plans to install solar panels at all suitable mobile phone stations and regional data centers.

Vodafone expects to generate enough solar energy annually to power a small electric car for approximately 6 million kilometers by 2025.

Sonnenkraft, an Austrian solar power specialist, is partnering with Vodafone to equip an initial 86 network locations with photovoltaic panels.

Telkom and Vodafone’s efforts demonstrate the telecom industry’s growing shift towards renewable energy to meet sustainability goals and reduce carbon footprints.

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