MTN Invests in Green Energy to Support Nigeria’s Carbon Emission Target

•Announces fourth edition of mPulse spelling bee

Emma Okonji

MTN Nigeria yesterday said it was investing in clean energy technologies as part of its efforts to reduce emissions thus helping Nigeria achieve its net zero commitments.

In its 2023 Climate Change Report, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company shared how it was 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.

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’s aim is to reach net zero as early as possible in the second half of the century.

Experts have concluded that energy transitioning is an intensive task that has to be gradual and intentional to ensure continual improvement and sustainability.

In its climate change report, MTN said its use of three 1.1 megawatt (MW) gas generators has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lowered energy costs by more than NGN570 million.

MTN Nigeria 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 4 000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity each month.

CEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, stated: “Our commitment to Nigeria goes beyond connectivity. We recognise 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.”

Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria has announced the fourth edition of the mPulse Spelling Bee Competition. This year’s edition began on August 21, 2023, and incorporates a blend of digital and on-site models, with the initial two rounds taking place on the MTN mPulse website. The grand finale of the competition is scheduled to be held in Lagos.

“Targeted at primary and secondary school students between 9 and 15 years old, the competition is a proposition launched in 2020 to inspire a love for language and learning while promoting healthy competition among students.

“Since its inception, the competition has empowered over 40,000 Nigerian students with digital skills, educational materials, and adequate resources to maximise their potential,” a statement explained.

Speaking on the brand’s dedication to education and youth empowerment, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, expressed the brand’s unwavering commitment to education and youth empowerment.