A Merseyside firm has been praised for its work in supporting Africa's drive for clean energy by helping the continent's businesses to reduce carbon emissions.
Clarke Energy in Knowsley was visited by International Development Minister Andrew Murrison on Wednesday, when it opened a new engine repair workshop, which will make power plants across Africa more efficient.
Opening the workshop, Dr Murrison met the overhaul and repair centre manager, Dave Nicholls, to see first-hand how high efficiency gas engines are being repaired in Knowsley and sent back to African nations.
Similar units being deployed across Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Cameroon improve the reliability of power to businesses and communities, helping to keep the lights on and power flowing in countries with unstable energy systems, the firm said.
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Dr Murrison also announced a new DFID-funded testing lab for solar products ensuring that solar panels and appliances meet global standards and households have access to good quality, reliable clean energy.
Alex Marshall, director for marketing and compliance at Clarke Energy, said: “The knowledge the 海角视频 Government has both locally in the North West of England and across Africa is outstanding and helped us to navigate what can be a tough market with political considerations, language and cultural differences.
“Being part of what’s set to be the world’s third largest mosque is a key milestone in our exporting journey and our work with the 海角视频 government has been core to that success.
"If a business from Knowsley can export on such a large scale, with the right support and hard work, anyone can make a success of trading overseas.”
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Touring the firm, Dr Murrison learned more about the business’s ambition to change the future of Africa’s energy supplies and the use of green energy across the continent.
He heard how Clarke Energy’s new power generation projects in Kano, Northern Nigeria will provide energy to businesses, reduce emissions and benefit whole communities.
Following his visit, he said: “From powering hospitals in London to a mosque in Algeria, Clarke Energy is just one great example of how 海角视频 businesses - including those from Liverpool - are already leading the way in investing in Africa.
“Clarke Energy’s investment in Africa shows how 海角视频 expertise, technology and innovation are improving access to cleaner forms of energy, which can be replicated by businesses across the 海角视频 and Africa.
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“The 海角视频-Africa Investment Summit will forge closer trading partnerships to deliver more investment, jobs and growth benefitting people and businesses across Africa and the 海角视频.”
The visit comes ahead of the 海角视频-Africa Investment Summit, held in London later this month, bringing together 海角视频 and African leaders, businesses, and entrepreneurs.
By 2050, more than 2bn people will live in Africa and 1 in 4 global consumers will be African.