Caterpillar announces successful demo of a hybrid microgrid power system in Mali

Caterpillar announced that Orange Mali, the largest telecommunications operator in West Africa, has completed the demonstration of a hybrid microgrid power system at a mobile tower site in Kéniéba, Mali. The system significantly lowers total cost of ownership, while also reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%.

Engineers for Neemba, the local Cat dealer, installed and commissioned the solution designed by Caterpillar. It integrates a Cat C2.2 diesel generator set, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and lithium-ion energy storage to supply up to 6 kW of power for the site, which had previously been supported by a diesel generator set alone. The system features a modular design that enables the addition of components to increase power output for rising traffic and network upgrades over time.

“Orange is dedicated to building a more responsible digital world by achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040,” said Mahamadou Keita, project manager for Orange Mali. “The hybrid microgrid system developed by Neemba and Caterpillar exemplifies our collaborations with innovative companies that share our drive for decarbonization.”

Caterpillar’s hybrid power solution for remote telecommunications towers employs solar PV panels and a Cat diesel generator set to power the telecommunications systems and fully charge an energy time-shift storage system. Power is drawn from energy storage when solar power is unavailable at night or in overcast conditions.

By optimizing available renewable resources and operating the generator set at peak efficiency points, hybrid power systems can reduce total owning and operating costs, substantially decrease fuel consumption and maximize system reliability. They are well-suited for applications in remote areas where grid power is unavailable.

Over the past decade, Neemba has supplied Orange Mali with more than a thousand Caterpillar generator sets ranging in size from 15 kVA to 1 MVA. The Cat dealer currently provides maintenance for power solutions at hundreds of telecom towers through extended service contracts.

“Neemba has supported the transformation of enterprises in West Africa for nearly a century, and this hybrid microgrid demonstration for Orange Mali shows how we can leverage advanced Cat power solutions and our industry expertise to support our customers through the energy transition,” said Sanou Baba Nestor, energy sales manager for Neemba.

“The energy transition requires resilient solutions that maintain superior power availability and reliability while reducing associated costs for the customer,” said Neil Smith, growth strategy manager for Caterpillar Electric Power. “One size doesn’t fit all, and our collaboration with Neemba and Orange Mali proves how we can combine our deep portfolio with our knowledge of the telecommunications sector to help customers excel in every aspect of performance.”