Green light for Total’s project

TOTAL South Africa has introduced a model of their solar service stations at Skukuza Camp, as it celebrates 60 years of partnership with Sanparks in the Kruger National Park.

The Total solarisation project’s targeting the installation of solar panels in 5 000 service stations around the world by the end of 2021. The programme drives several efficiencies for the business, including reducing Total’s carbon emissions by 100 000 tons per year, as well as reduce its electricity bill by $40 million (R566.8m) per year.

All photovoltaic panels will be provided by Sunpower, and one of the world leaders in the solar photovoltaic sector. In South Africa, 282 Total service stations will be fully solarised by 2021.

“The project is aligned with Total’s responsible-energy drive and its commitment to developing solar power. Total South Africa embarked on the solarisation programme in response to anticipated changes in customer expectations and their relationship with energy.

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate the need for responsible energy consumption in light of a growing global population with increasing energy needs.

“We believe that it is necessary to produce, process and supply affordable energy while meeting the highest standards,” said Pierre-yves Sachet, managing director and chief executive of Total South Africa.

The solar service station model coincides with Total SA’S 60-year partnership celebrations with Sanparks.

“After 60 years in partnership with Total SA, it gives us great pleasure to be working with a brand that shares our goals and vision in conserving our environment and investing responsible resource usage.

“Sanparks is honoured and we cannot think of a better way to kick off another 60 years of partnership dedicated to conservation,” Fundisile Mketeni, chief executive of Sanparks said.