Testing Possible Solutions

For more than a decade, we have been evaluating various options for providing energy to low-income populations, particularly in Africa. They include:

• Rural electrification via photovoltaic solar systems.
• LPG for use by remote and underprivileged communities.
• Gas-fired power generation for communities neighboring our sites.
• Diesel generators for micro-grids or groups of local artisans.
• Pilot short biofuel supply chains (biofuels produced and used locally).

Our goal is to identify the business models that will enable us to offer low-income populations a modern, reliable and affordable energy source that has a lower environmental impact and can be used sustainably and independently.

Harnessing Our Capabilities

To go even further, in 2010 we launched an energy access project that draws on the full scope of our expertise. The project targets four areas:

• Fuel poverty in OECD countries (for transportation and heating).
• Photovoltaic solar power in non-OECD countries.
• Short biofuel supply chains (biofuels produced and used locally).
• Local development and use of gas produced at some of our sites.

The project aims to develop new business models with social entrepreneurs to deliver energy solutions that are affordable for low-income populations.

In the photovoltaic solar component, a test phase was launched in Cameroon, Indonesia and Kenya in January 2011. The decision whether or not to deploy the project on a large scale will be made at the end of the year.

Various partners are involved, including development experts and local businesses.