ChargePoint Carbon Credits Fund Renewables in Senegal
Electric vehicles (EVs) are lauded for their zero tailpipe emissions, providing a notable edge over conventional fuel-powered vehicles when it comes to air pollution.
Their overall environmental impact, however, also hinges on the manufacturing process and the nature of the electricity fuelling them.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a sharp rise in EV sales, which in turn will increase the demand for renewable energy sources to power such vehicles.
It estimates that by 2035, EVs will consume between 6% and 8% of total electricity demand and by 2030, the share of renewable energy in global electricity supply could jump to 43%.
Given that transportation contributes to over 15% of global energy-related emissions, the industry, along with its supporters, is turning to renewable sources to green its processes.
EV charging solutions provider ChargePoint goes a step further.
“We’re all in on electric mobility, to build a brighter future for all of us,” it says.The company has already prevented 3.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, achieving the distinction of being the first EV charging provider to be ENERGY STAR certified for energy efficiency.
EV charging fuels sustainable development in Senegal
ChargePoint is not just focusing on transportation but is also forging sustainability with technology and social influence by aggregating carbon credits from more than 100,000 EV chargers.
This initiative funded a renewable energy project in Keur Niangane, Senegal, through a partnership with Africa GreenTec.
This collaboration has brought solar-powered electricity to more than 150 families — around 1,000 people — in a rural community, effectively replacing diesel generators and transforming lives.
The new Solartainer in Keur Niangane, which is a mobile solar power plant with integrated energy storage, is bolstered by photovoltaic panels and energy storage systems, ensuring continuous power availability.
Alongside this, 55 solar-powered streetlights and a network consisting of 4,860 metres of cables and 119 poles were installed to construct a robust energy infrastructure.
“At ChargePoint, we believe in the power of technology to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for all,” says Rick Wilmer, ChargePoint’s President and CEO.
“This project is already making a significant difference, particularly to the lives of women and children in this community, and we’re proud to contribute to such a meaningful change.
“We will continue to drive positive environmental and social impact as two of our core values.”
Enhancing lives
The collaboration between ChargePoint and Africa GreenTec has visibly uplifted the quality of life in Keur Niangane.
The benefits are:
- Children now have the ability to study at night under safe lighting conditions, significantly improving access to education
- Solar-powered streetlights enhance security for women traveling after dark
- The economic prosperity of the region is boosted, providing extended business hours and improving community life, which fosters local entrepreneurship.
"Our strong international partnerships are the key to sustainable rural electrification in sub-Saharan Africa,” says Wolfgang Rams, CEO of Africa GreenTec. “ChargePoint is one of these important partners.
“At a time when sustainable and international development is low on the political agenda, it is even more important for the private sector to work together to achieve big goals.
“A great example of the positive impact that can be achieved through collaboration is the electrification of the community of Keur Ndiangane in Senegal, which will empower many people.”
ChargePoint: Pioneers in EV infrastructure
Joe Gorman, Interim Vice President, Europe at ChargePoint, spoke exclusively with Energy Digital about the challenges of EV charging in multifamily residences and the changes needed.
“Battery EVs secured a record market share of 19.6% in 2024,” he says. “Yet, this fell short of the Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate target, which required 22% of all vehicles registered to be zero emission.
“To bridge this gap, facilitating charging near home is essential, as drivers often prioritise convenience of charging in their buying decision.”
Additionally, ChargePoint helps power commercial fleets, revolutionising truck electrification.
The company introduced its latest megawatt charging system capable of delivering up to 3MW of power — enough to power Wembley Stadium.
“Megawatt technology is the first step toward electrifying the commercial trucking industry,” said Hossein Kazemi, CTO for Hardware at ChargePoint.
“Megawatt charging solves half of the electrification equation for trucking. The companies developing electric trucks can now leverage this infrastructure to test and enable their vehicles until they meet — or even exceed — the distances covered by internal combustion trucks.”
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