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GDF SUEZ SA
GDF SUEZ SA
12/18/2012 | Press release
GDF SUEZ Rassembleurs d’Energies invests in a power access project for people living in remote parts of Tanzania
distributed by noodls on 12/18/2012 11:33
Under its commitment to promote access to sustainable energy for all and its GDF SUEZ Rassembleurs d'Energies1 program, GDF SUEZ invested €250,000 for a minority stake in EGG-energy2Tanzania. This company provides electricity to deprived populations with no connection to the grid around Dar Es Salam, Tanzania, by offering them a battery rental and recharging service which enables them to light their homes and charge small devices.
The ambition of EGG-energy is to become the benchmark player in Eastern Africa for the supply of affordable, sustainable and reliable electricity services, through innovative solutions. Its mid-term objective is to serve more than 500,000 customers in Tanzania by 2019.
At present, more than 80% of Tanzania's population does not have access to electricity. Because they cannot afford to be connected to the electricity grid, though it's often quite close, Tanzanians use expensive energy sources which are harmful to health and the environment. EGG-energy offers low-income households and small businesses a battery rental and recharge service covering minor domestic use at the least cost and with better quality of service. The company also provides a variety of small and medium-sized solar devices to recharge batteries. This service now serves over 700 customers through a network of 16 distributors.
On this occasion, GDF SUEZ Chairman & CEO Gérard Mestrallet reminded that: "After the investment made at the beginning of the year in Foncière Le Chênelet3 in the North of France, this new investment fits in perfectly with the goal of the GDF SUEZ Rassembleurs d'Energies initiative, which is to reduce energy poverty in France and worldwide, as a main pillar of development. This new project illustrates our employees' commitment to this ambitious goal."
GDF SUEZ Rassembleurs d'Energies solidarity fund is partly fed by a company mutual fund (FCPE) recently opened for the Group's 160,000 current and retired employees in France, within the scope of an employee savings plan. GDF SUEZ has already earmarked €10 million for direct investment in social enterprises focused on improving access to energy and reducing energy precariousness.
1http://www.gdfsuez.com/en/2012-international-year-sustainable-energy/rassembleurs-denergies/
2 http://egg-energy.com/
3 Le Chênelet is a socially responsible real-estate investment company whose employees are mainly former long-term unemployed persons. They build low-energy social housing units, targeted to tenants eligible for subsidized rental loans.
About GDF SUEZ Rassembleurs d'Energies
GDF SUEZ Rassembleurs d'Energies, an initiative of the GDF SUEZ Group, by people, for people: GDF SUEZ undertakes to contribute to energy access for all and to reducing energy precariousness worldwide through three complementary action levers: investment in the dedicated socially responsible fund, donations via the GDF SUEZ Foundation and skills transfers, notably through the employee NGOs Energy Assistance and Codegaz.
About GDF SUEZ
GDF SUEZ develops its businesses around a model based on responsible growth to take up today's major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, combating climate change and optimizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: liquefied natural gas, energy efficiency services, independent power production and environmental services. GDF SUEZ employs 218,900 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €90.7 billion in 2011. The Group is listed on the Brussels and Paris stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Stoxx 50, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, ASPI Eurozone and ECPI Ethical Index EMU.
