- GE Collaborating with Tolaram Group to Provide Solar/Diesel Hybrid Power for Local Noodle Factory
- Project will Reduce Diesel Fuel & Emissions by 18 Percent
- First Installation of GE’s Solar Hybrid Technology in Africa
GE (NYSE: GE) today announced it will supply Northern Noodles Ltd., a subsidiary of DUFIL and Tolaram Group, with solar technology to reduce emissions at a food manufacturing plant in Kaduna, Nigeria. The 575 kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) plant will be integrated with the company’s existing diesel generators and micro-grid system. Once installed, the hybrid solution is expected to deliver 18 percent reduction in diesel fuel and associated emissions at the site.
“Tolaram strives to be an early adopter of advanced technology, and solar energy looks extremely promising. Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint and create sustainable industrial growth,” explains Mr. Sajen Aswani, CEO of Tolaram Group. “Given GE’s expertise in renewable technology, end-to-end offering, and like-minded commitment to growth here in Nigeria, it was a natural collaboration.”
GE has previously announced plans to support the financing, design and building of infrastructure and capacity across key sectors of the Nigerian economy, including rail, power and healthcare. Originally signed in 2009, GE recently renewed its “Company-to-Country” agreement with the Government of Nigeria for another five years, as part of a larger GE plan to invest $2 billion in Africa by 2018. That investment will help Nigeria as it pushes to install 40 gigawatts (GW) of additional capacity by 2020.
“This installation is an example of what’s possible for solar technology on a smaller commercial scale,” explains Jeff Wyatt, general manager of GE’s solar and energy storage business. “In many regions where there is no grid, or power from the utility grid is unreliable or expensive, manufacturers need a reliable, integrated solution they can count on. Economics of PV hybrid are attractive, and it gives them a choice in building a more sustainable, long-term energy solution.”
Under the agreement, GE will provide a complete engineered equipment package, local employee training and technical support. First Solar will provide thin film modules for the project, which is expected to be in operation by July 2015.
About Tolaram Group
Established in 1948, Tolaram Group is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Asia, Africa and Europe. Tolaram exports products to over 70 countries and has a diversified portfolio consisting of Consumer Goods, Infrastructure, Energy, Digital Services and other interests which include Distribution, Financial Services, Paper Products, Real Estate and Textiles. The Group is also actively involved in several not-for-profit initiatives, such as partnering with the World Toilet Organisation to promote good sanitation in Nigerian schools and setting up ISHK Limb Centre to provide artificial limbs for the disabled. www.tolaram.com.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
About GE Power & Water
GE Power & Water provides customers with a broad array of power generation, energy delivery, and water process technologies to solve their challenges locally. Power & Water works in all areas of the energy industry including renewable resources such as wind and solar; biogas and alternative fuels; and coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy. The business also develops advanced technologies to help solve the world’s most complex challenges related to water availability and quality. Power & Water’s six business units include Distributed Power, Nuclear Energy, Power Generation Products, Power Generation Services, Renewable Energy, and Water & Process Technologies. Headquartered in Schenectady, N.Y., Power & Water is GE’s largest industrial business.
Follow GE Power & Water and GE’s renewables business on Twitter @GE_PowerWater and @GErenewables.
About First Solar, Inc.
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced module and system technology. The company’s integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. www.firstsolar.com
