Solar energy has a positive impact in financial , battling climate change and combating local pollution. The Hong Kong government has put in place a subsidy which is intended to incentivise businesses to open up their roof top so Hong Kong can play its role in combating global climate change and for the business to match their own ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) targets.
WHY SOLAR?
Solar energy makes financial sense for businesses and commercial operations. The cost of solar energy has fallen to the extent that solar power can compete globally with fossil fuel generation without subsidy. It is the least expensive form of electricity generation per Watt.
Emerging markets have abundant potential for solar energy. Predominantly located within the tropics, emerging markets benefit from significant sunlight hours and irradiation. In many countries the immature grid infrastructure is intermittent and unreliable, making the adoption of off- grid energy the ideal solution.
WHY WE EXIST
We are at the forefront of businesses using solar energy to combat climate change, local pollution and for financial reward. We are aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to empower communities worldwide. Our goal is to create tangible, measurable impact in diverse areas in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Solar energy is complementary to the electrical load patterns of businesses. The profile of energy generation matches the operations of a businesses’ typical daytime activities and the energy required.
The installation of solar systems assists businesses to reliably forecast their energy costs for a period of 20 years or more. Whilst also allowing businesses to partially fulfil their responsibilities in battling climate change and local pollution.
IMPACT RELATIVE TO THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Good health and well-being
The World Bank estimates that there are 780 million women and children breathing kerosene fumes, inhaling the equivalent of smoking two packs of cigarettes a day. Kerosene lamps increase the risk of fire and often result in severe burns. We partnered with NameneSolar Light Company to bring affordable SM100 solar lights to underprivileged rural and off-grid communities. In partnership with NGOs in Africa (Aluwani, Mercy Ministries) and Asia (One Million Lights), we implemented fundraising campaigns that resulted in donations of solar lights in Madagascar, South Africa, and the Philippines.
Quality education
Extended hours of study time at home, as well as in schools, are a crucial advantage for young people in communities with limited or non-existent power supplies. Additional lighting at home can directly improve a child’s performance at school and later success in life. Our portable, mini-PV SM100 solar lights, designed for personal use, are one way of achieving this. Etiam Namene also supports university research – we donated solar equipment to 16 United World Colleges (UWC) to assist students in comparing renewable energy data from different parts of the world.
Affordable and clean energy
According to the International Energy Agency, over 1.1 billion people across the world still lack any electricity supply. Our off-grid and community solar projects help improve the living conditions of people in areas without access to electricity. One such project, our installation in Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia has won the Solar+ Power Award for Rural Electrification. Most recently, our mini-grid project in East Sumba, Indonesia brought electricity to over 900 households and public facilities, and won the 2018 Solar Power Portal Award in the category “Community Solar Installation of the Year”.
Decent work and economic growth
Strengthening the informal sector by engaging young people and aspiring entrepreneurs in enterprise development is one way to contribute to community development. Solar Energy Solidarity works in partnership with aspiring NGOs, entrepreneurs, and sports organisations to educate and inspire local communities in underprivileged areas. We have supported youth and community development through various sponsorships, such as the Indian Rugby Union and Tondu RFC in South Wales, UK.
Climate action
By deploying solar energy and promoting renewables, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the worldwide climate change mitigation and environmental protection efforts. According to the EPA’s e-Grid emission metrics, each MWh of solar electricity offsets approximately 555kg of CO2 emissions per year. Moreover, each kerosene lamp replaced with solar light offsets 370 kg of CO2 per year.
Partnerships for the goals
Etiam Namene’s business strategy is based on global experience and local expertise. We see these as the keys to successfully deploy and operate projects while enhancing local capabilities and local revenue retention. We have worked in partnership with leading blue-chip companies, governments, and NGOs to bring projects to life around the globe. Moreover, we carefully select our supply partners based on their supply chain transparency, ethical treatment of workers, and responsible manufacturing practices that strive to minimise their carbon footprint.