26 March 2025
Caterpillar Inc. has announced a significant milestone with the successful demonstration of a hybrid microgrid power system at a mobile tower site in Kéniéba, Mali, in partnership with Orange Mali. This innovative system substantially reduces total cost of ownership while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%.
The hybrid microgrid was installed and commissioned by Neemba, the local Cat® dealer, and integrates a Cat® C2.2 diesel generator set, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and lithium-ion energy storage to provide up to 6 kW of power — enhancing the infrastructure that was previously reliant solely on a diesel generator.
The microgrid system features a modular design, allowing for easy addition of components to boost power output as network traffic grows and upgrades are required over time.
“Orange is dedicated to building a more responsible digital world by achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The hybrid microgrid system developed by Neemba and Caterpillar exemplifies our partnerships with innovative companies that share our drive for decarbonization,” said Mahamadou KEITA, project manager for Orange Mali.
Caterpillar's hybrid power solution is specifically designed for remote telecommunications towers. By combining solar PV panels with a Cat diesel generator set, the system not only powers telecommunications equipment but also charges an energy storage system, which can supply power at night or during cloudy conditions.
An on-site control system automates the management of this solution, utilizing remote monitoring technology to provide real-time access to performance data. This capability helps to anticipate potential issues and accelerates troubleshooting processes.
By optimizing the use of available renewable resources and operating the generator set at peak efficiency, the hybrid system significantly lowers owning and operating costs while reducing fuel consumption and maximizing reliability. This makes it ideal for regions where traditional grid power is unavailable.
“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 assist our customers in the energy transition,” said SANOU Baba Nestor, energy sales manager for Neemba.
“The energy transition requires resilient solutions that ensure superior power availability and reliability while minimizing costs for the customer. One size doesn’t fit all, and our collaboration with Neemba and Orange Mali demonstrates how we can combine our extensive portfolio with industry-specific knowledge to help customers excel in every aspect of performance,” said Neil Smith, growth strategy manager for Caterpillar Electric Power.
