Airtel Nigeria, a telecommunications service provider, has denied a recent allegation that it had contracted WATT Renewable Corporation to supply more than 32MW of installed solar PV and storage over 600 cell sites in Nigeria.
According to The Times, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, claimed in a statement that Airtel Nigeria’s collaboration with WATT was restricted to just 30 sites as a proof-of-concept for WATT’s Energy-as-a-Service offering. He claimed that 18 of the 30 sites that were commissioned are currently operational.
Adeniran, however, asserted that the business was dedicated to its sustainability aims and that it was still working towards its Net Zero targets throughout all of its operations.
“The press report about Airtel Nigeria awarding this federal contract to WATT Renewable Corporation is false.
“Airtel Nigeria is indeed dedicated to its sustainability goals and continues to pursue its Net Zero ambitions across its operations. We will keep the public informed as we make progress towards reaching these goals,” he said.
The CEO of WATT, Oluwole Eweje, was cited in several internet media as saying that Airtel has given WATT, a hybrid solar solutions provider, a contract to supply more than 32MW of installed solar and storage capacity throughout Nigeria.
According to the reports, Airtel would have more assurance and uptime from its power supply thanks to the hybrid solar systems, which would be built over 600 sites under an energy-as-a-service model. This would allow Airtel to increase the coverage of its network and roll out 4G and 5G technologies.
The WATT CEO stated, “Working with Airtel presents a fantastic chance to provide renewable energy to the Nigerian telecommunications industry, which will be necessary for the sector’s sustained sustainable growth. In addition to advancing Airtel’s environmental goals and enhancing nearby towns’ air quality, it will also increase connections for millions of consumers.
“We’re eager to expand our knowledge in the field of communications, which will be active for some time to come.”
