Solar fridges for Africa deal clinched

Jan 30 2008 by Aled Blake, Western Mail

A COMPANY offering renewable energy products and services has sealed a $600,000 deal with the World Health Organisation to supply solar fridges to Nigeria.

True Energy, which is based in Tywyn, Gwynedd, and also counts the United Nations, Unicef, B&Q and South West Water among its clients, has developed flourishing export markets in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe.

Managing director Phil McVan said demand for renewable energy is on an upward curve – and in the past four months staffing levels have doubled.

True Energy’s renewable technologies include wind turbines, solar photovoltaic (electricity), solar thermal (hot water), biomass, and ground source heat pumps (hot water).

Mr McVan said they had established the company as a “one-stop shop” for renewable energy, providing consultancy and advice alongside a wide range of innovative products.

He said, “We identified a gap in the market for a company that provides a full range of competency.

“Our solar energy based systems, from solar powered street lamps through to solar hot water systems are very well regarded, and our wide experience enables us to provide detailed advice to our customers.”

He is confident that as a result of legislation relating to climate change – much of driven by the Kyoto agreement – that renewable energy’s time has come and intends to capitalise on the opportunity.

Mr McVan said, “The UK is committed to cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.

“Furthermore, over the next two decades, the UK will need substantial new investment in electricity generation capacity to replace closing coal, oil and nuclear power stations and to meet an expected 30% growth in electricity demand.

“Oil now costs $100 per barrel, compared to just $20 a few years ago – a factor that is also steering governments towards sustainable sources of energy.

“Last year the global renewable energy industry was worth $27bn, and that figure is set to grow.

“We are well placed to capitalise on this burgeoning market as the company already has an excellent international reputation, and is renowned for being able to supply bespoke solutions to clients’ energy requirements.”

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the Welsh Assembly Government’s overseas trade and investment arm, International Business Wales (IBW), was supporting True Energy in its export drive.

“The growing demand for sustainable renewable energy sources is opening up major opportunities for True Energy, and IBW will continue to support the company in growing its overseas markets,” he said.

Working with IBW the company has built up substantial overseas sales, and exports now account for 50% of the company’s business.

Recent successes have included a deal to supply solar power packs to Nepal and solar powered streetlights to Nigeria.

Mr McVan added, “IBW paved the way to an important introduction to the United Nations procurement unit in Copenhagen while overseas trade missions helped us to get to grips with the market, and to fine tune our product range accordingly.”