Johannesburg, Tuesday, 21 February 2017
Lack of leadership at country level impedes roll out of Africa’s energy
Sean Cleary, Chairman of Strategic Concepts
The opening dialogue panel discussion at the Africa Energy Indaba in Sandton set a brisk pace as the panelists – each highly respected heavyweights in the energy arena – outlined their views on “Securing the energy future for Africa”.
The panel, comprising Dr Elham M.A. Ibrahim: Commissioner, African Union Commission; Paddy Padmanathan, President and CEO of ACWA Power; and Brian Dames CEO of African Rainbow Energy and Power (AREP) was skilfully led by moderator Sean Cleary, Chairman of Strategic Concepts.
“Although there is significant wave of success across Africa with the progressive roll-out of a broader energy mix, this is still not being done fast enough due primarily to lack of leadership at country level,” said Paddy Padmanathan.
Commissioner Dr Ibrahim
Sharing her views on securing Africa’s energy, Commissioner Ibrahim outlined the African Union Commission’s four point strategy to provide secure, affordable, reliable and clean energy for the continent in it’s 2012-2040 programme.
“In our strategy we have considered the energy mix using renewable, clean and fossil fuel resources,” said Ibrahim. “Concentration on regional requirements is a key factor, as is international cooperation and the harmonising of regulation and policies across countries.”
Brian Dames noted that Africa has the fastest growing energy market globally, and stressed that no government on its own can afford to foot the bill for energy infrastructure – and that participation by the private sector is essential.
“Securing the energy future for Africa” discussion panel at Africa Energy Indaba: Dr Elham M.A. Ibrahim: Commissioner, African Union Commission; Paddy Padmanathan, President and CEO of ACWA Power; and Brian Dames CEO of African Rainbow Energy and Power (AREP)
“We need to build Africa’s energy systems in regions and make regulatory frameworks regionally,” said Dames. “East Africa is a most profound lesson in this regard, where a high level of integration has been achieved.”
The event, which includes a comprehensive Energy Expo, was opened by Africa Energy Indaba Chair, Brian Statham, Chairman of the South African National Energy Association (SANEA)
Africa Energy Indaba Chair, Brian Statham, Chairman of the South African National Energy Association
During the rest of today and tomorrow (Wednesday 22 February) Africa Energy Indaba will continue to address burning issues around Africa’s energy needs, through a series of panel discussions which include:
– Increasing regional trade and regional integration in the energy sector
– What is the future energy mix of Africa moderator
– Public acceptance, safety and regulation in nuclear power programmes
– How to attract the funds to finance Africa’s energy sector and the role of the private sector
– Cost reflective tariffs vs state subsidies or subsidized pricing and the role of energy regulators
– Prospects for growth in the African energy sector and are a PPPs vehicle for growth potential
– The role of power pools and interconnectors and the business opportunity attached to them
– Financing financing of nuclear power projects guarantees in nuclear build programmes
– Coordination of South African players in a nuclear build programme
– Localisation and skills development in a nuclear build programme
– What is the outlook for oil and gas in Africa (including insights from the Africa gas forum)
– Energy access and energy security in Africa
– Maximising the renewable energy opportunity in Africa
– Skills development / knowledge transfer within the energy sector
– How far and fast will distributed power generation grow?
– Sustainable assets in an integrated energy future: EOH/STEAG
– The role of development funds in overcoming the challenges in the African energy sector
– Technical innovation and future disruptives
– Sustainable assets in an integrated energy future: EOH/STEAG
– The role of development funds in overcoming the challenges in the African energy sector
More follows…