By Nasi Hako
Daystar Power, a West African provider of hybrid solar power solutions to commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses, has announced its acquisition by Shell.
Shell will acquire Daystar Power, subject to regulatory approvals, to deliver carbon emission reductions and power cost savings to C&I businesses across Africa.
Daystar Power’s co-founders and management team will continue to grow its operations in its key West African markets, while expanding its presence to other African countries in East and Southern Africa. Daystar Power targets to increase its installed solar capacity to 400MW by 2025 to become one of Africa’s leading providers of solar power solutions for commercial and industrial businesses.
Shell acquisition of Daystar Power could boost energy company’s expansion plans
“We have seen booming demand for solar energy in the African markets where we operate. That has been reflected in our growth: we are on-track to increase our installed solar capacity by 135% in 2022,” said Jasper Graf von Hardenberg, CEO and Co-founder of Daystar Power. “As part of Shell, we will be able to execute our mission even faster to deliver carbon emission reductions and power cost savings to businesses across Africa.”
“This deal marks our first power acquisition in Africa and a fundamental step for Shell in growing our presence in emerging power markets. We have had a long and established presence in West Africa and with Daystar Power, we are taking our first steps into the renewable power space,” said Thomas Brostrøm, Shell’s Executive Vice-President, Renewable Generation.
“As we do this, we’re helping to address a critical energy gap for many who currently rely on diesel generators for backup power. Daystar Power has a loyal customer base and a promising growth outlook, and by combining our efforts and expertise, I believe we can make a real difference in the energy transition, for West Africa and beyond,” added Brostrøm.
The acquisition will allow the West African C&I solar provider to grow its operations in the region, while expanding across the African continent.
