MTN Nigeria targets net zero emissions with green energy investment

 

MTN Nigeria has announced significant investments in clean energy technologies as part of its efforts to reduce emissions and support Nigeria in achieving its 2050-2070 net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission commitments.

The largest telecommunication provider, MTN disclosed this in its 2023 climate change report, said it is partnering with a renewable energy Independent Power Producer (IPP) programme to deploy a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) power plan to supply both its corporate office, MTN Plaza and main data centre in Ikoyi.

Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021 seeks to achieve low greenhouse gas emission, green and sustainable growth by providing the framework to set a net zero GHG target between 2050 and 2070. Nigeria aims to reach net zero as early as possible in the second half of the century.

Experts have concluded that energy transitioning is an intensive task that has to be gradual and intentional to ensure continual improvement and sustainability.

Indeed, in the report, MTN said its use of three 1.1 megawatts (MW) gas generators has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lowered energy costs by more than NGN570 million.

MTN said it has also installed motion light sensors in buildings and switching centres to optimise power consumption. In addition, MTN Nigeria installed a 56-kilowatt proof-of-concept solar project, delivering more than 4000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity each month.

Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, stated: “Our commitment to Nigeria goes beyond connectivity. We recognize the environmental challenges our nation faces, and we’re dedicated to being part of the solution. Our investments in sustainable energy and infrastructure are not just good for business; they’re essential for the future of Nigeria.”

The firm claimed that the net zero emissions target is part of MTN Group’s Project Zero, which focuses on decreasing greenhouse gas emissions across its footprints, thus enhancing operational efficiency.

The company said it aims to do this by reducing energy usage, substituting non-green energy sources and investing in certified climate protection projects with high environmental and social standards to offset the emissions that cannot be avoided.

Guardian report that, MTN has announced the fourth edition of the mPulse Spelling Bee Competition. This year’s edition began on August 21, 2023, and incorporates a blend of digital and on-site models, with the initial two rounds taking place on the MTN mPulse website. The grand finale of the competition is scheduled to be held in Lagos.

Targeted at primary and secondary school students between 9 and 15 years old, the competition is a proposition launched in 2020 to inspire a love for language and learning while promoting healthy competition among students. Since its inception, the competition has empowered over 40,000 Nigerian students with digital skills, educational materials, and adequate resources to maximize their potential.

Speaking on the brand’s dedication to education and youth empowerment, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, expressed the brand’s unwavering commitment to education and youth empowerment. She said, “Words are the bridge to knowledge, we aim to build the future of our young learners, one letter at a time. The MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition is not just about spelling; it’s about nurturing a profound appreciation for language and instilling a passion for lifelong learning. We hope to ignite the flames of curiosity and excellence in these bright young minds, and we look forward to our next CEO for a Day.”