Digicel has announced a partnership with Caban Energy to enhance its energy infrastructure through solar technology in Jamaica, with plans to expand throughout the Caribbean. This collaboration aims to reduce Digicel’s greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs, marking a major step in the telecom giant’s commitment to sustainability.
The partnership is focused on installing solar energy and storage solutions at cell towers across Jamaica, both independently and in collaboration with Phoenix Tower International (PTI). By integrating renewable energy alternatives into its operations, Digicel anticipates a notable reduction in carbon emissions—over 38,674 tons of CO2e annually, amounting to more than 580,109 tons over the project’s lifetime, aligning with the Caribbean region’s sustainability goals as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
“Jamaica is our first market with Caban and is the shape of things to come with the expectation that more of our 25 markets will come on stream in the coming months,” Digicel Group CEO Marcelo Cataldo remarked, concerning the scope of the collaboration.
Stephen Murad, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, emphasized the urgency of this commitment, highlighting the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 to Jamaica’s power supply.
“In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, we made a commitment to the Prime Minister of Jamaica that we would invest in renewable energy,” he explained. “We’re proud that just eight months later, we’re honoring that commitment and actively stepping up to help combat climate change.”
Meanwhile, Caban’s CEO, Alexandra Rasch, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s broader implications. She stated, “This is about building a sustainable future for all. With Caribbean countries at the forefront of the negative effects of climate change, the region’s energy landscape is evolving. Mindful of its ESG commitments, Digicel is partnering with us to harness renewable energy sources to benefit those same countries and enable their progress towards achieving national and global climate targets.”
“It makes for an exciting future,” Rasch concluded.
