Author: aidan

Today, Release by Scatec celebrates the inauguration of the solar plants in Cameroon. Release entered into a lease agreement with ENEO, an electricity company, in 2021 to deliver two solar hybrid and battery storage plants that have a combined capacity of 36MW solar and 20MW/19MWh of storage. The plants are located in Maroua and Guider, in the Grand-North Cameroon.

“We are pleased that this day is finally here, and we get to celebrate this major milestone at Release, where we pride ourselves in making renewable energy easily accessible and affordable across growth markets,” says Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO at Release.

The Release by Scatec pre-assembled solar power and battery storage system is a unique solution and the first of its kind to be deployed in Cameroon. The Maroua and Guider solar power plants are an innovative solution, and they are equipped with over 44,800 bifacial solar panels mounted on trackers, which will help maximise energy production throughout the day. The installations will generate 80 GWh of electricity each year. We are proud to say that our fight against climate change will be evident, as the plants will make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions, with an estimated saving of almost 60,000 tonnes per year.

The solar power plants have been completed in phases generating electricity throughout 2022 and are now fully completed.  There have been reports of significant improvements of electricity supply in the northern parts of Cameroon. Regions that fall under the Northern Interconnected Network were prone to experiencing power outages. Today we are proud to say that they have more stable power in the country courtesy to our rapidly deployable leasing solution. Residents and industries are benefiting from the two solar power projects in the northern parts of Cameroon.

“Having looked at the success of the two projects and how it has helped improve the electricity supply in Cameroon, Release is well positioned to further strengthen power supply in Cameroon with more capacity,” explains Arnaud Gouet, SVP Utilities at Release.

The Scatec and ENEO team, as well as the sub-contractors and local staff showed great commitment to the success of these projects.

Arnaud Gouet expressed his gratitude saying, “These solar power plants are the result of a fruitful collaboration between the public and private sectors. They embody innovation through ground-breaking contracts, symbolising the collective determination to meet the energy needs of the Far North region cleanly and efficiently. This initiative was made possible by the expertise and vision of all parties involved.”

“We would like to thank the Release team that has been working tirelessly on this project and this day would not be possible without your hard work and dedication. We would also like to thank the ENEO team for believing in us and the fruitful partnership that we have developed over the years. And a big thank you to the Cameroonian Government for trusting us with these projects,” says Hans Olav Kvalvaag.  

Site teams at inauguration, Cameroon.

Release by Scatec (“Release”) signed an agreement to raise USD 102 million (NOK 1 billion) in funding from Climate Fund Managers (“CFM”) to further accelerate its growth ambitions. Release was established by Scatec ASA (“Scatec”) in 2019 to offer a flexible leasing solution of pre-assembled and modular solar and battery equipment for the mining and utilities market.

CFM is a leading climate-centric blended finance fund manager backed by FMO, the Dutch Development Bank, and Sanlam Infraworks, part of the Sanlam Group of South Africa. The company invested in Release via its Climate Investor One (CIO) fund; a blended finance vehicle focused on renewable energy infrastructure in emerging markets. CFM will contribute USD 55 million in equity for a 32% stake in Release. Scatec, a renewable energy frontrunner in emerging markets, will retain the majority shareholding of 68%. CFM will also provide shareholder loans totalling USD 47 million, part of which will be on concessional terms.

“We are very excited to have Climate Fund Managers join us as a partner to accelerate the significant growth potential of the Release platform. Scatec is establishing a strong partnership and has raised external financing through a value accretive transaction to fund Release’s growth ambitions. Release is offering a unique renewable energy solution in a rapidly growing market segment that requires a different business model than Scatec’s larger scale project business,” says Scatec CEO, Terje Pilskog, who is also the Chair of Release.

“Today’s transaction establishes Release as a strong and independent company while Scatec remains the main shareholder and offers services to support Release and drive synergies in the next phase of the company’s development,” adds Pilskog.

Release is experiencing good traction in the market, particularly towards African utilities. It has projects in operation and under construction in Cameroon, South-Africa, Mexico, and South-Sudan with a total capacity of 47 MW solar PV and 20 MWh of battery storage and has additional contracts for 35 MW solar PV and 20 MWh of storage in Chad, in addition to maturing its advanced pipeline. Release intends to replicate its rapid deployment model to address shortfalls in local grid power supplies throughout the region.

“We are excited to have a partner as strong as CFM on board and one who shares our view of the potential and aspirations for our business concept. The new shareholder funding will be supplemented by Release through additional debt and guarantee facilities that are currently in advanced negotiations. This gives us the financial foundation we need to meet the strong demand for our flexible leasing model, for easily deployable renewable power plants,” says Release CEO, Hans Olav Kvalvaag.

“CFM’s purpose is to help end the climate crisis. We do this by raising and deploying cutting-edge blended finance funds at scale and at pace. Our blended finance model facilitated the integration of impact finance into the deal structure, which Release will be able to leverage to improve its cost structure for its battery and grid connection solutions, allowing Release to offer even more competitive pricing and better value to its clients. We are delighted to support the Release team as they roll-out their critical climate technology across Africa, helping significantly reduce the emissions of the mining and utility sectors,” says CFM CEO, Andrew Johnstone.

After closing of the transaction, Release will be accounted for as a joint venture investment in the group accounts of Scatec, which will generate an accounting gain of approximately USD 40 million in the consolidated financials at closing. There will be no impact on the proportionate financials from the transaction. Closing of the transaction is expected in the third quarter of 2023, subject to customary conditions precedent.

Rand Merchant Bank (“RMB”), a division of First Rand Bank Limited, acted as the sole financial advisor to Scatec on the transaction.

For further information, please contact:
For analysts and investors: Andreas Austrell, VP Investor Relations, tel: +47 974 38 686, andreas.austrell@scatec.com
For media: Meera Bhatia, SVP Communications & Government Affairs, tel: +47 468 449 59, meera.bhatia@scatec.com
Aidan Wildschut, Senior Communications and Public Affairs Coordinator, tel: +27 663 94 1407, aidan.wildschut@scatec.com

We’re at Africa Energy Forum, working with governments and industry on ways to close the continent’s energy gap.

Hear from our CEO, Hans Olav Kvalvaag, on how a new approach is needed to secure sustainable energy access for Africa.

AEF, Kenya 2023.

In our rapidly changing energy world, we must acknowledge that emerging economies may require a very different recipe for success in the clean energy transition.

We live in an age of affordable clean energy generated from wind turbines, hydro plants, and solar panels. Companies and entire countries have set ambitious low carbon targets and we are experiencing a fast-changing energy world and the rapid rise of clean technologies.

Fatih Birol, the executive director of the IEA, called it a “historic moment”. The world is finally seeing the fruits of our investments, and clean energy is hitting its stride with peak fossil fuel demand fast approaching.

But we must ask ourselves if we are truly doing enough to ensure that emerging economies, in places such as Africa, can keep pace and benefit from cleaner and more available sources of power?

There remain parts of the world where the transition is simply not happening as quickly. It’s often in these places that the energy gap persists, or the region suffers from power shortages related in one way or another to climate change and/or the often-prohibitive costs of fossil imports.

The typical way of building major power infrastructure won’t work everywhere

In Africa, the energy gap is present on much of the continent, and many countries still lack  sufficient power structures to electrify their homes and businesses. The typical, complex, and capital-intensive way of delivering power simply won’t work here, which is why we need to think differently.

The world’s ability to bring clean energy to every corner of Africa and beyond will come down to our ability to adapt and embrace solutions that account for the unique needs, geographies, and available resources of each region. And in some regions and certain industries, the dependency on fossil fuels will be hard to shake.

This fossil fuel dependency is often due to a lack of resources and sometimes an unwillingness to embark on a lengthy transition to an alternative energy source, a process that would require regulatory approvals, major infrastructure buildout and grid modernisation, coupled with contracts that may lock them in for 25 or more years to a single source of power. It’s not exactly an appetising journey to take if you are a nation grappling with persistent power outages combined with a large portion of the population kept in the dark.

Without power, poverty perpetuates

At the same time, these emerging economies are poised to advance, they need to advance, and their power demand will only grow as they do. People shouldn’t be forced to wait another five or 10 years to get the power they need. Because without power, poverty perpetuates, and progress is hindered.

Flexibility is the way forward. Whether you are a utility company in Chad or a mining operation in Sierra Leone, your needs are unique and your need for scalability is high. Realistically, the priority isn’t necessarily clean energy in these cases but rather it’s about getting affordable power as soon as possible. And right now, the most affordable power is solar.

This was the starting point that led us to develop leasable, re-deployable power plants, based on solar power and battery energy storage. We call it “Release” and it enables much-needed flexibility for emerging economies in that the infrastructure is not fixed, it can be leased for the duration of need, and it can be scaled when and if demand grows.

At the same time, the power we deliver is primarily solar – which as of today is more affordable than the fossil alternatives. On top of this, a Release power plant can be installed on site, meaning transport costs can be eliminated, and locals can be trained to operate it.

Release deployed, Cameroon.

Stabilising energy supply in Northern Cameroon within six months

One of our first Release projects was with ENEO, the North Cameroon utility company. They were looking for a way to boost their power supply, as their hydropower reserves were lacking due to extensive droughts. Within six months of our agreement, we were already deploying solar power to the people of Northern Cameroon, bringing long awaited electricity to many for the first time. Today, this region can boast the most stable power situation in the country.

The future energy picture will not be one size fits all. We cannot copy and paste the standard power project model on an African nation. The UN has made it clear that emerging economies cannot be left behind in the energy transition, but perhaps even more urgently, these economies require the stimulation that rapid access to electricity can provide. As a leading renewable energy provider, we see it as our responsibility to find solutions, move faster, and create opportunities for people. It’s time to light up Africa, and we believe that Release is just the beginning.

‘Release by Scatec’ CEO Hans Olav Kvalvaag talks about how he and the team are rethinking the way renewables are delivered in Africa and beyond.  

For Hans Olav Kvalvaag, the move into the renewable energy industry was a distinct choice he made mid- career. It was a move away from his previous life as an attorney, solving cases within oil and gas, and onto a new mission, pursuing the power of sun and wind.

Eight years ago, nearly to the day, his journey in Scatec began.

“It’s been quite the ride in Scatec,” he says, “developing new business and partnerships within renewable energy around the world. A couple of years ago, I was asked to change course and to investigate new ways to bring energy to places where it’s complicated to deliver and desperately needed.”

This turned Hans Olav’s focus primarily to Africa. The idea was to transform the delivery of renewable energy into something far simpler and easier, with a baseline understanding that not every country or organisation has the capital or capacity to complete complex power projects – projects that often take years until completion.

Renewable energy released on demand, anywhere.

“We need to power and electrify Africa,” says Hans Olav. “And we have failed (from the western side) to support this continent in setting up and building power structures, leaving a gaping energy gap. The typical, complex, and capital-intense way of delivering power isn’t going to work everywhere. That’s why we decided to do things differently.”

They called their new concept ‘Release’, a fitting name for a burgeoning company tasked to release renewable energy, on-demand, where and when it’s needed. At the core of Release is its flexible leasing model – a model designed to offer a viable clean energy alternative in even the most challenging-to-electrify places in Africa.

Release deployment, Cameroon.

Release projects are spreading across Africa

The very first Release project was with the United Nations (UN) – International Organization for Migration (IOM). The IOM leased a re-deployable solar plant from Release, and as a result, began delivering clean energy to their refugee camps.

“The Release model is spreading. About a year ago we began a project in Northern Cameroon, an area sorely in need of electricity, and lacking in the necessary investment to build infrastructure. Today, they have the most stable power situation in the country thanks to our flexible leasing solution,” Hans Olav explains.

Rapid Renewable Energy – decarbonising grids and operations.

A faster and cleaner way to close the energy gap

From contract signing to delivery, the Release deployment process takes about six months. It’s an ideal timeline for a mining operation or a utility company that lacks the capital to invest in a lengthy power project, and yet, is looking for a quicker route to escape the rising costs of diesel.

“Our goal is to be the premiere supplier of renewable power solutions to Africa,” Hans Olav asserts. “We see that for mid-size projects, we can deliver something that is suitable for the grid at hand – grids that are often unstable, complicated and require flexibility as demand grows. In these situations, Release is a perfect fit.”

Your faith in the future of our planet can only grow after meeting these two freshly educated engineers: Janic Martin and Zharea Henkerman.

It’s fair to say their fates were sealed during childhood. Janic, as a young boy, said that he planned on changing the world for the better. Zharea, around 9 or 10, was fascinated by the idea of harnessing the power of the sun to boil her kettle. 

It’s no coincidence that both ended up working with renewable energy.

Today, Janic and Zharea are part of the Release by Scatec Graduate Program – fulfilling their fates to harness the power of the sun to help change the world.

Zharea Henkerman, Graduate at Release by Scatec.

Zharea remembers a module during her studies called “environmental engineering”. She says it was here she was truly introduced to what she calls the “horrors of climate change and global warming”. This, coupled with the ongoing energy crisis in her home country of South Africa, put her on the path of renewable energy, leading her to Release.

Today, Zharea works with the origination of power projects for private offtakers. She speaks with potential customers, such as mining operations, and says that she loves to see how shocked they are when they see how quick and easy the transition to renewables can be with Release’s flexible and redeployable solution.

“The normal route to renewable power can take years, and once signed, you are locked in for 20 years or more,” she says. 

“This doesn’t work for everyone, such as mines, who don’t have that kind of long-term time perspective. But these mines still need a cleaner and more affordable source of energy so they can move away from costly diesel. That’s where we come in.”

Janic Martin, Graduate at Release by Scatec.

Janic says that his journey into Release and the world of renewable energy was inspired, in part, by his father.  His father is from a small farming village, even smaller than the one where Janic grew up. He remembers visiting this village around age 11, and his father told stories about fetching water from the river and collecting wood for cooking over the fire.

Janic returned to his father’s village a few years ago. He was disheartened to see that the signs of progress in other parts of South Africa were absent in this corner of the world, and it’s something that Janic aimed to change. And to spark real change, he knew that electricity would be crucial.

Today Janic is a graduate engineer working to design the second phase of the Release by Scatec renewable power plant. It’s a unique task in that Release isn’t like any other plant. It’s modular, redeployable and completely flexible – meaning it can be delivered anywhere, for however long it’s needed and scaled as demand rises. Perhaps even to his father’s village one day.

“I’ve always believed in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” he says. 

“This started when I was a kid and I tried to pitch the idea of a perpetual battery to my science teacher. Today I’m doing this for real by finding ways to bring power to parts of the world where it’s always been out of reach.”

On the verge of growth

Providing electricity access, Chad.

These graduates describe life in Release as having a start-up feel, which gives them a chance to do just about anything and everything in the company. They expect their future (and that of Release) to be full of growth and opportunity. It’s just a matter of helping countries, utilities and industries such as mining understand the potential of a rentable solar and energy storage power plant.

“I expect to see growth and scale in Release’s future,” describes Zharea. “Today we’re known for being a part of Scatec. But one day, our name will be known for all that’s unique about us.”

Ricus Grimbeek is the mining advisor for Release by Scatec, a role that feeds into his passion for bringing sustainable solutions to the mining industry.

Ricus Grimbeek, Senior Mining Advisor.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ricus Grimbeek wrote that he imagines a world in which “mining and other industries use mostly renewable energy”. It’s the answer to his personal ‘why’ (à la Simon Sinek) and it’s a quest that perhaps started at the ripe age of 18, while he was working underground at the coalface of a South African mine.

Ricus has worked in mining for more than three decades. Coal, gold, diamonds, platinum, manganese – his career has been one above and below ground, spanning continents. He says that throughout it all, he’s followed his own path, putting him on a mission to make mining cleaner and greener.

“I’ve always wanted to see mining done differently – both from a health and safety perspective as well as an environmental perspective,” he says. 

Digitalization and use of technology were integral to this mission, which is why, as CEO of Trevali Mining Corporate, Ricus and the Trevali team were first in the industry to use underground drones in Africa.

Release by Scatec, Mining Industry Solution.

The ‘too good to be true’ renewable energy solution for mines

While still serving in his CEO role, Ricus met Roberto Berardo from Scatec. Roberto told Ricus about a flexible, redeployable solar solution that seemed amazing – no capital, fast delivery and flexible contact period – almost too good to be true, Ricus recalls. 

“Finally. Here was an innovative, flexible solution that could get solar power deployed quickly to a mine.”

Ricus adds that Release really fed into his passion around climate change and presented the opportunity to truly do something significant in the industry to which he’d been so devoted. It was a way for him to help get as much renewable energy into the industry as fast as possible.

Release by Scatec, For Mining.

Release targets 100 MW of solar mines to mines in Africa

The Release team has set a goal to deploy 100 MW of solar power to mines in Africa within the next year. Getting there requires understanding the needs of the mines and speaking with the people who aim to power these mines with more affordable and cleaner solutions. He wants to make sure that others in the industry discover the benefits of Release and feel that same sense of amazement that he experienced.

“We are working to educate the industry about the renewable energy solutions available to them,” says Ricus. 

“I want to challenge all the leaders in mining and other industries that use carbon intensive electricity to reach out to me or the Release team to understand the opportunities that are available. We invite you to visit the Scatec Operations Centre in Cape Town to see for yourself how a world class renewable energy company operates its assets on a 24/7 basis.”

Arnaud Gouet is the SVP Utilities for Release by Scatec, and he’s dedicated to giving utility companies the bankability, flexibility and scalability they need to light up Africa and drive growth.

Arnaud Gouet, SVP Utilities.

Arnaud Gouet’s career, put simply, has been all about bringing electricity to people. He says that he’s found value in this, as “power brings so much”.

“We take it for granted all too often,” he says, “but electricity is really at the heart of development.”

The goal, he describes, is to give populations access to affordable electricity now, so they can grow. In many countries, growth is needed urgently, and they require a power system that can accommodate this immediate need. But the clean energy transition is complex, often requiring government support, infrastructure buildout and sometimes even grid modernisation. This takes time and money, which can be in short supply.

“At Scatec, we saw that we needed a better solution. We needed to get projects realised faster, so that countries could start benefiting now, not in 10 years from now,” he says.

The key to this, he says, is to give the utility companies in developing regions greater flexibility. They need access to a readily available source of energy to feed into what may be a weak grid. And they need the ability to use a mix of energy sources and vary those sources over time, depending on cost and availability.

“Utilities need a solution that enables them to keep their energy options open,” as Arnaud puts it.

Release: Simple contracts, simple installation.

Release gives utilities flexibility to vary energy sources over time

This is the context in which Release by Scatec is operating. Not every country or every utility company is in a position to embark on a lengthy power purchasing process, nor do they want to lock themselves into 25+ year agreements.

“We offer them a plug and play solution. They rent a redeployable solar and storage power plant from us for as long as they need it. They can combine the clean energy they generate from this with other sources and remain open to new sources of energy in the future,” Arnaud explains.

ENEO, a utility in North Cameroon, is already doing this with Release. Droughts have hit this country hard, and it has impacted their electricity supply, which is heavily dependent on hydropower. To remedy this power shortage, a typical process with a power producer would take years, leaving the people of Cameroon quite literally in the dark.

“Utilities are at the heart of development in Africa. If you don’t have power, you don’t have a functioning hospital, sanitation, or security. And you don’t develop. That’s really what we are solving with Release. People can’t wait five more years.”

Release’s partnership with ENEO was up and running within months, and today 26 MWp of photovoltaic (PV) is bringing more power to the grid. A 20 MWh grid-connected battery storage system (BESS), the biggest today in Africa, is hybridised with the PV plant to ensure grid stability. The first power was delivered six months after contract signing which makes it one of the fastest deployment of a PV project in the region, and it’s exactly what Africa needs. 

Release has also signed a 35 MWp solar PV plus 20 MWh storage plant in N’djamena, Chad. 

Release deployed, Cameroon.

“When you bring power, you get more and more users. This is suppressed demand, and it’s common in Africa. That means that the power solution must also scale, growing along with the grid and the demand. This is something that Release enables as well,” says Arnaud.

Release may be a fast solution but it doesn’t always have to be a short-term one, Arnaud is quick to clarify. Utilities can, for example, rent for 15 years and then take on ownership of the plant. The Release crew offers training to locals – so that they are empowered to run their own operations.

“Renting is simple and it’s quick,” says Arnaud. “It enables us to execute as fast as possible and start bringing affordable power to people now.”

Our SVP Roberto Berardo talks about how Release by Scatec is lowering the barrier to clean energy for the mining industry.

Roberto Berardo, SVP Mining.

Roberto Berardo has no doubts that the future will be electrified. He’s spent his career venturing into countries, working with utilities and governments, to build renewable power plants that electrify communities.

Along the way, he started to realise that the clean energy transition wasn’t exactly within reach for all. It can be perceived as complex, costly, often lengthy, and with many moving parts – which can serve as a barrier for certain industries.

This barrier is what Release by Scatec was designed to overcome. Today, Roberto is an SVP with the Release team, and his focus is on ensuring that the mining industry has access to affordable renewable energy.

“I came into the renewable energy industry because I was passionate about giving people the opportunity to produce their own power. When we (at Scatec) started developing Release, that’s when I saw this vision truly coming to life. Here was a solution that didn’t require heavy infrastructure, major investment, government concessions or long-term commitments.”

Release deployed, Cameroon.

Release is a simple and flexible way to bring renewable energy to mines

The concept behind Release is to deliver renewable energy in a simpler way. It’s a way for remote and off-grid mining operations, that may not have a long life of mine, to procure renewable energy quickly and easily, without requiring capital expenditure and lengthy approval processes.

“I think everyone is starting to realise that mining is critical to the energy transition. This is where we get the minerals to produce renewable energy technologies. But we’re fooling ourselves if we don’t think about how to power those mines in a sustainable way.”

Release powering hydrogen production.

Solar power meets cost and sustainability requirements of mines

A mine looking to transition to clean energy may be motivated in two ways. The first, according to Roberto, is the fact that solar power is now a cheaper way to power the mine – versus only relying on gas or diesel or other carbon-emitting power sources exclusively. The second, he says, relates to growing sustainability requirements and expectations from government, investors and other stakeholders.

“In addition to cost and sustainability, we also see that mines are vulnerable to supply chain challenges including importing fuel, a third factor in why solar makes sense.”

What doesn’t make sense for a mine, is to build fixed solar infrastructure for an operation that may not be there in five to ten years. Flexibility is key. The mine requires cost efficient power now, not in 10 years from now, which makes a leased and portable solar power plant a way for them to jump start their clean energy transition.

“Nearly everything in our daily lives comes from the mines, and mines have an opportunity to take the lead in using the clean energy solutions that they enable,” says Roberto. “And now we can give them what they need to produce their own power, all while cutting costs and reducing their emissions. It’s a win for mining and a win for the planet.”

Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important in the mining industry, with many companies adopting more sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their bottom line. There are several compelling reasons why renewable energy is good for mining operations, including: decarbonisation, cost savings compared to diesel (carbon-based fuels), predictable cost of energy, and sustainability.

The mining industry is one of the largest direct and indirect emitters of greenhouse gases in the world, making decarbonisation a key priority for companies that want to operate in a more sustainable and responsible way. Renewable energy can play a significant role in reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions, as it allows companies to shift away from fossil fuels and rely on cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy. For example, using wind or solar power to offset self-generation or reduce grid electricity purchases in mines can significantly reduce emissions, while also providing a stable, reliable source of energy when and if coupled with battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Release in Cameroon.

“It is essential to promote sustainability in the mining industry. As mining companies extract finite resources from the earth, it is critical that they adopt practices that help to preserve the environment for future generations. Renewable energy is a key part of this, as it allows companies to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and operate in a more environmentally responsible way. Companies can now demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and help to build trust with stakeholders and the communities in which they operate – while making a good business decision”, Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO Release by Scatec.

Renewable energy, especially solar PV, has always been far cheaper than diesel and other fossil fuels, and it is continuing to become still more cost competitive as the technology continues to improve and economies of scale are achieved.

Release in Cameroon.

But how is a mining company incentivized to drop their relatively simple diesel generator solution and spend time and money on a non-core-business activity at both development and O&M stages?

The Release model was designed to be the renewable energy equivalent of a flexible diesel generator lease. The O&M for diesel generators is far more complex and expensive than for renewables. The only obstacle for embracing renewables is that they are infamously capex intensive. Release solves that by financing the equipment and shifting capital expenditure (capex) to operational expenditure (opex) through our lease model.

As the industry continues to evolve and companies seek to become more responsible and sustainable, renewable energy will play a critical role in shaping the future of mining. Companies that embrace renewable energy today will be well positioned to compete and succeed in the years ahead.

Release is a flexible leasing agreement of pre-assembled and modular solar PV and battery equipment, securely integrated with your power infrastructure. Release is powered by Scatec, a leading renewable power producer with more than 4.6 GW in operation and under construction on four continents.

Designed to overcome challenges associated with adopting solar power, Release offers customers their own solar plant without the need for large investments or long-term contractual commitments.

Taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, Release by Scatec hosted delegates from the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE)‘s West African Power Pool (WAPP) Organisation – a specialised agency associating public and private power entities of 14 West African states. As part of a broader programme led by WAPP, and funded by the World Bank, the objective was to upskill power experts in the realm of renewable energy – in order to trigger scaling up of investment and development of solar PV plants at a regional (continental) scale.

WAPP in Cape Town, South Africa.

The WAPP and Release by Scatec partnered to drive education and experience in solar PV plant operation and maintenance, leveraging Scatec’s experience in successfully operating large scale PV plants. With a dedicated focus to the West African region, Release led a one-week study trip to Scatec’s Cape Town office, and operational PV facilities and test sites in Upington and Stellenbosch.

Upington Solar Complex, Northern Cape, South Africa.

In addition to this, classroom sessions were hosted – as well as a tour Scatec’s Control and Monitoring Centre (CMC). Bustling discussions with Scatec and Release staff enabled the trainees to exchange on real life issues related to PV power plant operations.

Trainees were also invited to a presentation from Dr. Wikus Kruger, an academic and industry leader from the University of Cape Town, who shared lessons and pathways to accelerated investment into renewable energy on the African continent. The chief engineer from the Planning Centre of Excellence (Eskom), Riaan Smit, also made hosted a session on the planning of PV deployment and grid related integration challenges.

Sub Station, Sirius, Upington Solar Complex, Northern Cape, South Africa.

Throughout this process, the Release by Scatec business model was explained, and shown in action. Challenges of high capital amounts (if publicly financed), guarantee requirements, 25 years commitment and difficulties to reach financial close (if private projects) for solar PV facilities were all highlight as hurdles to widespread implementation of renewable energy in emerging markets. Release by Scatec’s study tour not only allowed knowledge transfer to occur, but also showed that our business offering solves pain points currently experienced by African utilities: a partnership approach that has simplified and flexible contracts, quick installation, limited upfront investment, scalability, and guaranteed performance. The Release model truly empowers the client – with deep learning and understanding transferred during the operation and maintenance of the plant. This is where true knowledge sharing happens.

O&M, Site Building, Northern Cape, South Africa.

Throughout the week, the trainees built a strong team spirit thanks to the visits, workshops, and mutual sharing of experience by Scatec and Release. A sense of pride was felt by the organising committee, as it was a unique moment where our company and employees could share their experience and expertise – as well as learn the delegation of WAPP members.

Scaling and launching an independent Release platform is key in the optimisation of Scatec’s portfolio, and a driving force in the company’s updated strategy. Sharing our offering to key stakeholders and markets is crucial to our growth, and we are proud to show our strategy in action.