Cat Energy Control System (ECS) portfolio. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Caterpillar Inc. has announced the launch of two new additions to its Cat Energy Control System (ECS) portfolio, the Cat ECS 300 and Cat ECS 400

These advanced control systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with power generation assets including generator sets, battery energy storage, and renewable energy sources. Built to deliver reliable power and improved energy efficiency, they help customers optimise energy use and reduce costs.

Introducing Cat ECS 300 and Cat ECS 400

The Cat ECS 300 offers mains and utility paralleling, allowing users to monitor and control up to four power generation assets at the same time, with or without utility involvement. This gives customers greater flexibility in how they use on-site energy, particularly during periods of high demand. It also provides reliable backup options through closed transition with soft load or unload and open transition with utility for standby use.

The Cat ECS 400 is developed for more complex microgrid environments. It can manage and control up to 32 power generation assets, making it ideal for expanding sites and those incorporating more renewable energy. By enabling greater use of sustainable power, it helps reduce fuel consumption and lower overall energy costs.

“As the energy landscape evolves and energy needs become more complex, customers are developing plans to secure power for both the near-term and the future,” said Melissa Busen, senior vice-president for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division. “Our Cat ECS portfolio helps customers scale and future-proof their sites, as our control systems can adapt and grow alongside their changing needs.”

A comprehensive customer offering

The expansion of the ECS range reflects Caterpillar’s ongoing commitment to providing integrated, customer-focused energy solutions. These include power generation systems, remote monitoring, distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), switchgear, controls, and expert local support. This full-package approach helps customers achieve affordable and dependable energy supply.

Expanding the Cat ECS portfolio

The ECS 300 and ECS 400 join the existing Cat ECS 100 and ECS 200, which are already in the market. The ECS 100 is designed to offer reliable control for new standby, fast-response, and prime power generator sets.

Available now

All ECS controllers are now available through Caterpillar dealers worldwide. Retrofit kits for the ECS 100 and ECS 200 are also offered. Caterpillar provides full control system customisation services, including site-specific design and hardware and software configuration.

Mini grids to drive energy access in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s president Julius Maada Bio has launched a new solar mini grid power initiative as part of efforts to green its energy sector and bring more electricity to previously underserved communities

The Salone Off-grid Renewable Energy Acceleration Initiative (SOGREA) is a collaboration between the Sierra Leone government, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

SOGREA aims to increase energy access in rural communities across the country by 2027, deploying at least 5.2 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar generation capacity through the installation of mini grids.

The project is set to benefit 25,000 households and 2,800 businesses across approximately 60 communities, offering them reliable, clean and affordable electricity for the first time.

“Taking energy to the people is key,” said Maada Bio. “This project is a significant milestone. It demonstrates mutual trust and confidence with our partners, especially at a time when development assistance is dwindling globally. This shows we still enjoy goodwill.”

The president also insisted that his government remains committed to nurturing the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks to foster a successful clean energy sector.

“I am aware of the revised regulations for the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC), and my government will ensure Parliament sets the required legal framework to support implementation,” added Maada Bio. 

“Together, we will make electricity accessible to all and no one will be left behind.”

At the heart of the SOGREA initiative is a ‘catalytic investment model’ to blend public and private sector support to create a favourable ecosystem for mini grid development.

Sierra Leone Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, a driving force behind the initiative, added that over the last two years, critical groundwork had been laid, including the revision of existing regulations under the EWRC Act, and the design of investment incentives to attract private developers.

The investment model includes reimbursement schemes, leveraging of additional financing, and regulatory mechanisms to bridge the gap between tariffs and what rural communities can afford and enabling private sector entities to develop, finance, own and operate their own solar minigrids.

The EU’s total investment in the initiative stands at €34mn (US$39mn).

“We are proud to support a project of this magnitude,” said ambassador Jacek Jankowski, head of the EU delegation to Sierra Leone, calling it “major milestone” in the country’s pursuit of clean energy and rural transformation.

Read more: 

Sierra Leone's first 5G network powered by renewables

Sierra Leone waste-to-energy project investment boost

Sierra Leone launches e-keke electric mobility project

GlobalData forecasts 1.7GW renewable growth and rising solar PV investments by 2035

Nigeria’s renewable energy sector offers substantial opportunities for growth, with the country aiming to raise the share of renewables in electricity generation to 23% by 2025 and 36% by 2030

As outlined in the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP), targets for installed capacity by 2025 include 2GW from small hydropower, 500MW from solar PV, 400MW from biomass, and 40MW from wind. In line with these plans, Nigeria’s renewable power capacity is projected to reach 1.7GW by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.9% from 2024 to 2035, according to insights from GlobalData, a leading data and analytics firm.

Solar investment surge 

In its most recent publication, Nigeria Power Market Outlook to 2035, Update 2025 – Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape, GlobalData forecasts that the country’s annual power generation will grow at a CAGR of 17.5% from 2024 to 2035, eventually reaching 1.8TWh. Within this transition, solar PV is emerging as a key area of investment. The past few years have seen a consistent rise in solar PV installations, largely spurred by the policy and objectives under the REMP.

According to Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, senior power analyst at GlobalData, “Nigeria relies heavily on thermal sources for its power generation. The nation possesses one of the largest natural gas reserves globally and the most extensive in Africa, which has led to the increasing prevalence of thermal power generation within the country.”

Despite the abundance of natural gas, a major obstacle for power producers remains the inconsistent availability of fuel, which results in significant underuse of generation assets. Following the sector’s privatisation, insufficient infrastructure hindered the creation of a reliable framework for fuel supply agreements, which are essential for securing bankable power purchase agreements.

To mitigate this challenge, Nigeria has increased its emphasis on renewable sources, particularly solar PV, to help meet rising electricity needs. As the country undergoes rapid urbanisation, household electricity demand is climbing, driven by needs such as lighting, refrigeration, cooking, entertainment, and cooling. In addition, power-intensive sectors such as textiles, cement, and food processing continue to consume large amounts of electricity.

Due to the persistent unreliability of the grid, many businesses rely heavily on petrol or diesel generators, suggesting that the actual energy demand in Nigeria is significantly higher than what is shown by grid-based data. Incorporating renewable energy along with storage systems is viewed as a practical solution to bridge this gap.

CrossBoundary Energy is powering the project's first sites with solar PV, battery, and generator solutions, providing 99.9% uptime while reducing fossil fuel emissions. (Image source: CrossBoundary Energy)

Zoodlabs, a telecommunications firm headquartered in Sierra Leone, has revealed that it is leveraging renewable energy to drive the rollout of one of the country’s first 5G data networks

The announcement was made at the Digital Government Summit in Freetown.

Powering 5G sustainably?

To power the initial rollout, Zoodlabs is partnering with CrossBoundary Energy, which is supplying a hybrid energy system combining solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery storage, and generator backup. This setup is designed to deliver 99.9% uptime while significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, CrossBoundary Energy is financing five of the 5G towers to help fast-track deployment.

Oliver Benham, director of operations for telecom solutions at CrossBoundary Energy, said, “Our solution is designed to maximise uptime whilst increasing renewable energy penetration and minimising diesel generator usage. The effect is that telecom operators like Zoodlabs have a reliable, affordable, and cleaner way of powering their network that does not rely on utility energy supply or fossil fuels.”

The introduction of 5G is expected to substantially boost data speeds, lower latency, and increase device connectivity across the country. With broadband penetration standing at just 20.7%, this wireless solution sidesteps the need for extensive cable infrastructure and helps improve digital access for individuals and businesses in Freetown.

David Kapkima, CEO at Zoodlabs, commented, “5G is not just about faster phones—it’s a foundational technology for smart cities, autonomous vehicles, remote healthcare, and businesses that rely on IoT. CrossBoundary Energy’s specialized knowledge in solar energy solutions has enabled Zoodlabs to power this infrastructure sustainably.”

The first towers are already operational in Freetown, with plans underway to expand 5G access nationwide in the coming phases.