Applus+ Certification certifies the first VCS solar energy projects Comoros and Togo

The client

Despite its recent lack of political stabiilty, Comoros strives to consolidate and promote socio-economic development through diverse projects. For example,the Foumbouni-Mitsamiouli solar park, which currently includes two operational photovoltaic solar parks of 4 MW each in Foumbouni and Mitsamiouli.

Each plant is equipped with 10,080 modules of 405 Wp and coupled with 1 MW / 2 MWh batteries that allow the solar park to operate in two modes: in hybridisation and in isolation, productive modalities that help export energy into the national grid.

The Foumbouni-Mitsamiouli solar park sets an important sustainability milestone, as the first solar power plant on the island. The energy it produces is absorbed and then distributed by SONELEC, it’s national electricity supply company. This step takes place after the implementation of the project’s operation, which relies exclusively on fossil fuel-fired power plants.

This means that the clean, renewable energy produced by the power plant is already replacing grid electricity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the fossil fuel-based grid mix of the baseline scenario.

This iniative is part of a joint effort set by the Togolese government, which is actively working to diversify its energy sources, by increasing the use of renewable sources. Its 70 MW solar photovoltaic plant is the largest in West Africa and the country's first renewable energy facility. The plant, located in Blitta, will provide clean and reliable electricity to hundreds of thousands of households and businesses in the country, saving more than one million tonnes of CO2 emissions over its lifetime.

The challenge

Companies, organisations, and governments face the challenge of supporting high quality carbon offset projects and promoting sustainable development globally. The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) is designed to ensure the quality and credibility of voluntary carbon markets by effectively verifying emission reductions.

Companies and organisations hoping to demonstrate their commitment to tackling climate change issues can opt for the VCS standard. This essential tool promotes transparency, credibility and environmental integrity in the voluntary carbon market.

The solution

Only an independent, authorised and accredited entity, such as Applus+ Certification, can validate and verify renewable projects that hope to gain VCS standard certification.

Highly qualified and with years of experience in the field, our auditorsare expertsate verifying renewable projects that stir away from fossil fuel energy use, and turn to solar, wind, hydro, geothermal (renewables) sources, among other sectors, we are accredited for.

The result

Project registration opens way for:

• Promoting renewable energy use thanks to VCU extra funds.
• Positive social impact thanks to new employment opportunities and infrastructure improvements.
• Global sustainable development.
• Compliance with emission reduction targets established under the Kyoto Protocol.