Scatec’s subsidiary, Release, celebrated the official inauguration of two solar hybrid and battery storage plants in Cameroon, marking a significant development in the energy sector. These projects, established through a lease agreement with ENEO, contribute 36MW of solar and 20MW/19MWh of storage capacity to the Grand-North region of Cameroon.
Hans Olav Kvalvaag, the CEO at Release, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We are pleased to mark this important milestone at Release, where our focus is on making renewable energy more accessible and cost-effective in emerging markets.”
The uniqueness of these solar power plants lies in the deployment of Release by Scatec’s pre-assembled solar power and battery storage system, the first of its kind in Cameroon. Situated in Maroua and Guider, these plants are equipped with over 44,800 bifacial solar panels on trackers to ensure consistent energy production throughout the day. Together, they are anticipated to generate 80 GWh of electricity annually, contributing significantly to a reduction in CO2 emissions, with an estimated saving of nearly 60,000 tonnes each year.
The completion of these solar power plants occurred in phases throughout 2022 and is now fully operational. There have been reports of notable improvements in electricity supply, especially in the northern regions of Cameroon, which were previously susceptible to power outages. Release’s leasing solution has played a role in delivering a more stable power supply, benefiting both residents and industries.
Arnaud Gouet, SVP Utilities at Release, recognized the potential for further expansion, stating, “Considering the success of the two projects and their impact on improving electricity supply in Cameroon, Release is well-positioned to enhance the power supply further with increased capacity.”
The successful implementation of these projects is attributed to the efforts of the Scatec and ENEO teams, as well as the dedication of sub-contractors and local staff. Arnaud Gouet commended the collaboration between the public and private sectors, saying, “These solar power plants represent the fruitful collaboration between the public and private sectors. They embody innovation through pioneering contracts and reflect the collective determination to meet the energy needs of the Far North region in an environmentally friendly and efficient manner. This initiative was made possible through the expertise and vision of all parties involved.”
Hans Olav Kvalvaag expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the contributions of various stakeholders, “We would like to thank the Release team for their tireless efforts on this project, which would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication. We would also like to express our appreciation to the ENEO team for their belief in us and the productive partnership we have built over the years. A big thank you is also due to the Cameroonian Government for entrusting us with these projects.”
