Electrification is core to development and mini grids are expected to play a critical role in meeting the UN Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) goal of universal access by 2030. It is the strategic plan of Governments in the region to develop and promote renewable energy generation through mini grids while also promoting public-private partnerships for implementation.

The 5th Africa Mini Grids Summit 2019 will convene on May 8-10 in Nairobi, Kenya.
This fifth edition of the Africa-wide conference will once again gather electricity regulators, utilities operators, mini
grids developers, financiers, engineering and consulting experts, technology providers, and development agencies to
share their invaluable expertise and experience in providing for the continent's rapidly-increasing power requirements.
Electrification is core to development and mini grids are expected to play a critical role in meeting the UN Sustainable
Energy for All (SE4ALL) goal of universal access by 2030. It is the strategic plan of Governments in the region to
develop and promote renewable energy generation through mini grids while also promoting public-private
partnerships for implementation.
This Summit brings together all stakeholders to discuss key policy issues and best practices to accelerate mini grids
deployment.
Regional energy authorities leading the discussions at this 2019 Summit include the Energy Regulatory
Commission of Kenya, the Ministry of Energy of Kenya, the Rural Electrification Authority of Zambia, the Rural
Electrification Agency of Uganda, along with top officials from Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Botswana, and Ethiopia.
Among the distinguished experts providing new knowledge and insights are: Prof AbuBakr S Bahaj, Professor of
Sustainable Energy and Head of Energy & Climate Change Division, University of Southampton from the UK;
Balthasar Klimbie, Key Expert Rural Energy, The European Commission's Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) for
the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) Initiative from The Netherlands; Edem Bensah, Senior Scientist with the
Centre for Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development of Ghana; and Dramani Bukari, Project Manager
at SNV Netherlands Development Organisation.
Prof AbuBakr Bahaj, Conference Chair and Head of the Energy and Climate Change at the University of
Southampton, UK noted: “The International Energy Agency, has indicated that to achieve 100% electrification by
2030, we need to rely on solutions that do not depend on a centralised electrical grid. This Mini Grid Summit is one of
the most interesting meetings addressing electricity access for productive use. It brings together policy makers,
relevant government organizations, developers and academics under one roof to thresh out pertinent issues related to
access and to discuss pathways to deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals especially SDG7. The meeting
is intimate with a lot of time devoted to discussions and debate, with an added bonus of visiting one of the pioneering
mini grid projects in Africa."
Private sector stakeholders who will share their expertise and practical applications at the 2019 Summit include:
Nicole Poindexter, CEO & Founder of Black Star Energy; Richard Mori, CEO of Mesh Power Rwanda; Steve
Wasira, Vice President of Business Development at Virunga Power, and John Kidenda, Director of PowerGen
Renewable Energy; among others.
Scaling Finance for Mini Grids has been a major challenge. Leading the discussions in this include international
financiers Clifford J Aron, President & Founding Principal, GreenMax Capital Group, USA, Humphrey Wireko,
Senior Associate, CrossBoundary Energy Access & Gerard Hendriksen, Team Leader, GMG, IED amongst others.
The CEO of the conference-organizing company, Magenta Global Pte Ltd, Singapore, Maggie Tan, added:
“Improving electrification to the 600 million Africans currently living without access to modern energy services is of
paramount priority. Proactive changes to the regulatory environment, financing facilities & PPP structures are
needed. The time is right to unlock resources and the technology is available to create economically and financially
sustainable mini grids to power communities and businesses.” Ms Tan encouraged all companies and organizations
to contribute to the development of this renewable energy sector by being part of this key event.
The 5
th Africa Mini Grids Summit 2019 is held in collaboration with Knowledge Partner Energy for Development
(e4D) Network / University of Southampton and supported by: the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), the
Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA); the South African Alternative Energy Association (SAAEA),
the Uganda National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Alliance (UNREEEA),
The two-day event will be held at the Hotel InterContinental in Nairobi, Kenya.
​
Register here......

Networking & Information Seminar
His Excellency Saeed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Vice
Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy is pleased to invite you for an Exclusive
Informative Networking Seminar in Cape Town, South Africa

Topic: “Business Opportunities for Water, Clean Energy and Environmentally Sustainable services in Dubai”

Aim:
• To highlight upcoming large scale projects in Dubai in line with Dubai Expo 2020 and Vision 2021
• To highlight the tenders in different sectors of DEWA
• To highlight business opportunities in Dubai in the coming years
Target industry –Cleantech, Smart City, E-Mobility, Green Building, Cyber Security, Renewable Energy, Water
Management, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security, Smart Grid etc.
Date: 25th February 2019
Venue: Cape Town Convention Centre
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Doors for Registration opens at 5:30pm
RSVP to: Ms. Aanal Patwari, +971554496066 Aanal.Patwari@dewa.gov.ae

You are invited to register NOW for free entrance to visit the upcoming Africa Energy Indaba Exhibition
In addition to providing a platform for the most groundbreaking and diverse energy panels, the Africa Energy Indaba hosts a 2-day exhibition where world-class industry experts and companies demonstrate their commitment to provide the solutions Africa needs to meet its growing energy demands. You are invited to join us in the exhibition hall and network with forward-thinking organisations including local, national and global brands presenting their innovative energy solutions. Attend a series of free energy technical workshops taking place in the exhibition space and meet the finalists of the African Youth Energy Innovator 2019.
 WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO?

• Join our complimentary technical workshop discussions led by company experts highlighting latest technology and products
• Visit our Exhibitors, who are key companies in the energy sector
  Exhibitor Profiles include:
  -  Governments and development institutions
  -  Power Generation
  -  Oil and Natural Gas
  -  Hydro and Solar
  -  Nuclear power
  -  Energy Efficiency and Conservation
• Get access to the latest trends in the African energy sector
• African Youth Energy Innovator Showcase of finalists and winner presentations: meet and listen to some of Africa’s brightest up-and-coming energy leaders
• Stand a chance to win prizes

Would you like to exhibit your services?

www.africaenergyindaba.com

​LEARN MORE: www.africaenergyindaba.com  /  ENQUIRIES: info@energyindaba.co.za

The role of digitalisation within the African energy sector is growing rapidly and will result in demand for innovation, adaptation to new market technologies as well as the development of a new skill set within companies. Adoption of digitalisation and energy transition in Africa has been slow, but can leapfrog development across sectors.  Energy is a key driver of economic growth and development, and the provision of access to modern energy contributes tremendously to improved health care, better education and economic opportunities in urban and rural areas in Africa.
 
Energy systems are experiencing rapid change at local, national and global levels driven by a blend of innovation; changes in policy and consumer demands; and the reducing costs of new technology. Digital management of distributed energy sources has already begun and brings opportunities and a market, especially for the Private sector. An energy revolution through decentralisation is occurring through off-grid and micro-grid systems. Renewables, distributed energy and smart grids demand new capabilities, new business models and regulatory frameworks.

At the Africa Energy Indaba 2019, a panel of industry experts will discuss this issue and engage with the audience to explore the implementation of digitisation and the benefits attached to the adaption of this new-wave of industry technology in the conference. 
• Job creation and new opportunities as a result of the 4th Industrial Revolution: Advancements,
   such as energy storage, off-grid technologies, smart grids, renewables, clean coal and nuclear
   allow for new opportunities of investment and development.
• Understanding the driving global trends such as population growth, climate change and evolving
   technology towards innovation and a sustainable Energy future
• Innovative financing options, because potential energy suppliers find it challenging to access
   funds and increased support from developmental funders / financiers is required.
• Risks and challenges of digitalisation: Africa risks being marginalised if it is not prepared for the
   Fourth industrial revolution and many NEW challenges arise e.g. data ownership, server
   locations, cybersecurity
• The importance of education, training and skills development in order to retain jobs as the
   energy transition occurs.

Learn more about Africa Energy Indaba

The President of the board of the Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC), Ms. Lisa Reynolds, cordially invites you to submit an abstract for consideration to speak at the 2018 Southern African Energy Efficiency Conference to be held on 13 - 14 November 2018 at Emperors Palace, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa. All potential speakers’ abstracts will be reviewed by the Conference Technical Programme Committee based on this submission.

2018SAEEC Conference Abstracts due May 31, 2018.

ABSTRACTS COVERING THE FOLLOWING POSSIBLE THEMES ARE WELCOME FOR SUBMISSION:
Alternative & Renewable Energy
CHP / Power Generation
End-Use Technologies
Energy Management
Energy Policy
Energy Services
Government Energy Management
High Performance & Green Buildings
Industrial Energy Management
Sustainable Development
Transportation Systems

​Read more.......

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Leading figures within the African energy scene will convene at the 10th Annual Africa Energy Indaba, the World Energy Council’s annual African regional meeting, to discuss the importance of innovation and regional integration at a time when the energy sector is undergoing a major transition.

The World Energy Council will be holding a high-level Energy Leaders’ Dialogue as part of the Indaba in Johannesburg between 19 and 21 February.

Discussions will focus on energy sector innovations in Africa exploring near and long-term prospects for technological advancements such as blockchain, where decentralisation and digitalisation plays a more prominent role within the continent. Additional discussions will explore the role the private sector can play in supporting policies that drive innovation and financing of energy systems in Africa.

Christoph Frei, Secretary General, World Energy Council said:
“In Africa, energy is at the forefront of the political and business agenda. There is a triple energy transition under way world-wide and impacting the African energy system, driven by decarbonisation, innovation and new business models, as well as new risks and resilience approaches.

Achieving a robust energy future in a context of the triple transition requires different approaches guided by innovative policies. Digitally enabled and distributed energy sources point strongly to a future energy landscape where decentralised approaches create entirely new opportunities for rural Africa and beyond. This is an opportune time for energy leaders to exchange views and discuss critical issues impacting the energy sector.”

Key speakers at the Indaba and Africa Leader’s Dialogue will include: Kornelia Shilunga, Deputy Minister of Energy, Namibia; Amadou Hott, Head of Energy, the African Development Bank Group; Dr Elham Ibrahim, Vice-Chair for Africa, World Energy Council; Viktor Polikarpov, Regional Vice-President, Africa, Rosatom; Leon Viljoen, CEO, ABB South Africa; Paddy Padmanathan, ACWA Power; CEO of Bboxx, Mansoor Hamayun, and many more energy luminaries will be present.

Liz Hart, Managing Director, Africa Energy Indaba, commented:
“The African continent has endless potential for solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal energy resources. The scope for Africa and all its respective countries to unlock its energy potential is immense – both conventional and renewable.

The African Union’s Agenda 2063, has highlighted the growth potential of renewable energy and identified it as a priority for the next decade and that by 2040 it is forecast that renewables could provide more than 40% of all power generation with off-grid solar set to triple. The business opportunity linked to the development potential of the energy sector in Africa will be highlighted throughout the Africa Energy Indaba with hosted CEOs from various African utilities, rural electrification agencies and regulators, amongst others, attending the event, seeking solutions to take back to their respective countries.”

The World Energy Council will also be hosting its Africa Regional Meeting as well as a workshop focussing on its World Energy Scenarios work, which envisions scenarios to 2060. Led by Angela Wilkinson, Senior Director, Scenarios and Business Insights. The workshop will aim to capture the reality of the energy world from a Sub-Saharan African perspective. The interactive workshop will provide an opportunity for strategic knowledge sharing on the long-term energy outlook. It will provide an up-to-date regional African perspective and reflect on plausible, alternative scenarios, as well as new shared visions.

The Council’s Scenarios propose three potential energy futures: Unfinished Symphony, a world in which a more ‘intelligent’, forward looking and sustainable economic growth model emerges;         Modern Jazz, which represents a ‘digitally disrupted’, innovative and market driven world; and Hard Rock, which explores the consequences of weaker and unsustainable economic growth in a more fragmented world dominated by inward looking policies.

Using these metaphors, the scenarios allow people to test key assumptions that may or may not shape the energy world of tomorrow. These scenarios can help us assess which are likely to be the most dynamic areas and real game-changers of tomorrow within sub-Saharan Africa.

Speakers will be available for media interviews on site during the Indaba.