A Herne Bay firm which specialises in solar-powered telecommunications and surveillance has teamed up with a major oil company in the US to help it develop more renewable energy systems.

Sunstone Systems has joined Chevron's Catalyst Programme - designed for companies that can deliver benefits to the energy industry, including helping them to reduce their impact on the environment.

Chevron is one of the biggest oil firms in the US and generates annual revenues in excess of £100billion. One of its subsidiaries is Texaco.

The local firm has developed technology which harnesses solar power to remove the need for hardwired infrastructure allowing digital connections anywhere in the world.

Its zero-emissions products also help to reduce carbon emissions across sectors including energy, defence, construction and telecommunications.

It is not the first time the two firms have worked together - a solar-powered surveillance system is used by the firm in remote locations.

Paul Schelhaas, co-founder and CEO on Sunstone, said: “Sunstone has a recognised and enviable reputation for creating robust, off-grid solutions that deliver reliable power from low carbon energy to a range of digital applications. We are delighted that our solutions-focused approach has been acknowledged by the Chevron Technology Ventures team and we look forward to continuing to work with them in this next phase of our growth.”

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent