Leading renewable energy firm offers solutions to power Africa

As Africa intensifies her drive to electrify the continent, all options of renewable energy are being exploited to diversify her energy pool. Vergnet, a leading renewable energy firm, is investing in unconventional renewable resources like wind farms, which are gaining popularity in the energy sector. Mark Revard, the Sales Director at Vergnet, recently joined CNBC Africa to discuss Africa's energy solutions. One particular area of focus was Ethiopia, a country with excellent wind resources in the rift area. Vergnet has built a wind farm in the North, in the Mekele area, capable of producing electricity for 3 million people at a price as low as 6 cents per kilowatt hour, lower than most conventional energies. Revard highlighted the importance of creating a mix of renewable energies to achieve high penetration and lower energy costs for the development of Africa. The conversation also touched on the affordability and suitability of various energy solutions like hydro, wind, and PV, with wind and PV achieving electricity prices as low as 4 to 6 euro cents per kilowatt hour. Moreover, Revard discussed the market receptiveness to unconventional energy solutions such as hybrids, which combine conventional energy sources with renewables like wind or PV. He emphasized that hybrid solutions have become technologically advanced and reliable, making them ideal for medium-sized towns in countries like Kenya and for industries located off the grid. Overall, Vergnet is at the forefront of offering innovative energy solutions to power Africa's development, and the company's commitment to diversifying the energy pool through renewable resources bodes well for the continent's sustainable energy future.