Unilever cuts costs with solar plant installation : The Standard

Delene Fisher, VP Supply Chain East Africa and Unilever Tea Plantation, Unilever Tea Kenya MD Sylvia-Ten Den and  CrossBoundary Energy's Femi Fadugba switch on Unilever tea solar facility in Kericho. [Nikko Tanui]

Unilever Tea Company has commissioned CrossBoundary Energy to construct a 619 kWp solar plant in Kericho County, aimed at cutting power costs and reducing environmental pollution. Unilever Tea Kenya Managing Director Sylvia-Ten Den said the project is a pioneer solar installation for the company in sub-Saharan Africa. “The plant brings the firm closer to its goal of sourcing 100 per cent of total energy from renewable by 2030,” she said.

SEE ALSO :Students sinks Helb money into sugarcane farming

With the addition of solar PV to its existing hydroelectric and biomass resources, over 90 per cent of Unilever Tea Kenya’s energy needs will be met with clean energy. Over 15 years, the solar project will avert nearly 10,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. The solar PV panels are installed on a rotating mounting structure that tracks the movement of the sun throughout the day, increasing the plant’s power output by 25 per cent. Solar Century East Africa managed engineering, procurement, and construction of the unique project, which employed 40 workers, including six women.

Discounted bills

Cross Boundary Energy Head of Business Development Femi Fadugba said the company will sell power from the solar plant to Unilever via an innovative 15-year power purchase agreement.

SEE ALSO :Resolve Bomet, Kericho counties levy dispute

“CrossBoundary Energy will continue to manage and finance future project operations, maintenance, monitoring, and insurance,” he said. Unilever will pay monthly, discounted solar power bills while remaining protected from the technical and operational risks of operating a solar project in the long-term. Den said Unilever’s sustainable living plan defines how the firm will cut costs, reduce risk and build trust with the stakeholders. “Installation of solar at our Kericho operations delivers on our commitment to reduce our environmental footprint and lead in creating a brighter future for our next generations,” she said. Director of Solar century East Africa Roberto Marti said the solar plant for Unilever represents a landmark solar tracker installation in Kenya.

SEE ALSO :Kericho county: Treating burns a challenge

“With each project, we build we are not only fighting climate change but creating jobs for young adults and women,” he said. Fadugba said Cross Boundary Energy supports leading brands like Unilever to adopt solar solutions across their operations.

Register to advertise your products & services on our classifieds website Digger.co.ke and enjoy one month subscription free of charge and 3 free ads on the Standard newspaper.

Related Topics

Kericho CountyCrossBoundary EnergyUnilever Tea Company