Puma Energy on track to operate 200 solar service stations

Puma Energy has reached 184 solar power generation projects operational across its global network of service stations and is on track to hit its target of opening 200 solar projects in 2022.

The company has nearly 2,000 retail sites in its network and has assessed how many are suitable for solar installation. The 184 locations now operating across the company’s retail network represent 39% of the 467 company-owned and leased stations where solar installations are commercially and technically feasible.

In its ESG Strategy, published in July 2022, the firm set a target of installing 200 solar projects across its global network by the end of the year. Once operational, the solar projects will have a combined capacity of 6,6 MWp and are expected to generate 9,311 MWh of renewable electricity per year.

“The 200 solar projects we are delivering is just the start of a broader strategy to contribute to the energy transition in Africa. Many of our commercial and industrial customers are looking to reduce their carbon emissions. By installing solar on our own assets, we have demonstrated our ability to offer to our customers solar solutions. Our aim is to help them hybridise their energy sources and reduce emissions across their operations,” said Sophonie Babo, Head of Strategy and Business Development for Puma Energy.

The aim of the solar generation initiative is not only to reduce Puma Energy’s greenhouse gas emissions on the sites and depots it owns, but also to reduce the emissions of the local dealers who operate many of the retail sites in the brand’s network.

Puma Energy made a commitment to achieve 30% of its Africa EBITDA from clean energy and transition fuels in its 2022 Sustainability Report and ESG Strategy. The rollout of solar solutions for its commercial customers is part of that aim, and to hit the target, the company has committed an initial investment of USD 33 million to roll out its solar offer to its customers, starting with Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia.