Bulgarian operator aims to be Net Zero by 2030
The Austrian mobile operator A1 Group has clinched a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for solar energy, that will supply 20,000 MWh of clean energy a year for a decade, reports Data Center Dynamics. The arrangement is between its subsidiary A1 Bulgaria and local clean energy investment group Renalfa AD, which means emission free and image boosting energy will be generated by a 33MW solar plan in South Bulgaria.
Sleeve it out
The terms of the deal are unusual. Renalfa says this is the first ever ‘sleeved’ PPA on the Bulgarian market, where an intermediary utility company handles the transfer of money and energy to and from a renewable energy (RE) project on behalf of the buyer. Renalfa will provide the sleeving service to A1 through its subsidiary Toki.
PPA is the way to NetZero
“Corporate PPAs are the backbone of the clean energy transition,” said Yuri Katanov, executive director of Renalfa. “I would like to congratulate A1 Group and its management for pioneering such an innovative business model. Together, we have addressed and resolved one of the main obstacles for bigger market integrations of renewables.”
A1’s wears heart on its Sleeve
“As a leading communications operator it is our obligation to drive a green and digital transformation with our expertise,” said Alexander Dimitrov, chairman of the management board and CEO of A1 Bulgaria, “the PPA for solar energy is a significant step for A1 Bulgaria on the path to clean energy transition.” As part of A1 Telekom Austria Group the Bulgarian operator is aware of its responsibility towards the environment, Dimitrv said. “This will be achieved by decreasing our own carbon footprint and gradually switching to energy from renewable sources.”
A1 operates a core data centre in the capital city of Sofia, and smaller facilities in Varna, Shumen, Plovdiv and Montana.