Technology firm, MTN has announced through its 2023 climate change report that it is investing in green energy technologies to achieve Nigeria’s 2050-2070 net zero target to help reduce emissions.
According to the firm, 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.
In the report, MTN said its three 1.1 megawatts (MW) gas generators have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lowered energy costs by more than NGN570 million.
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.
Speaking on the investment, 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.
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.
