Lekela, the renewable power generation company that delivers utility-scale projects across Africa, today published its annual sustainability report detailing its activities in 2018.

As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, the report provides details of Lekela’s long-term commitment to and investment programmes in the African communities where it operates.

With over 1,300 megawatts of clean energy in operation, construction and development, highlights of the 2018 report include:

• A total of 1,264 GWh of renewable energy was generated and 1.13 million tonnes of carbon dioxide avoided. Both metrics represented large increases compared to 2017
• Lekela’s projects under construction in Senegal and South Africa employed nearly 600 people during the year. Across its portfolio of operational and construction sites there were no lost-time injuries
• Over $2.5 million was invested in social enterprise and community development schemes in 2018. Eight communities benefitted from these schemes during the year
• Approximately 43,000 people are now within the catchment areas of Lekela’s community investment trusts

Jennifer Boca, Head of ESG, Lekela said: “Our sustainability programme focuses on investing in education, enterprise and the environment. 2018 was a positive year for all three components, with $2.5 million invested in our local investment programmes.

“Highlights included the construction of a new creche for the Noupoort community in South Africa, and building of a new marketplace in conjunction with the Taiba Women’s Association in Senegal. We also provided significant support to the farming community in Loeriesfontein as they battled the threat of severe drought.”

Chris Antonopoulos, Chief Executive Officer, Lekela, said: “We are building power that lasts for decades. Playing our part in the communities where these wind farms take shape is not a mere add-on, it is fundamental to our license to operate.

“With over 800 megawatts in operation or construction we are making significant strides to deliver clean power across four countries. But seeing our investment in schools, farming and environmental projects in the places we call home is just as significant for us as the turbines themselves starting to turn.”

The full 2018 sustainability report can be viewed here.