ENERGYNET

the
Issue 2 – 2019

LEADING THE CHARGE:

Energy Growth in Senegal and West Africa

THE RISE OF
RENEWABLES:
Synergies between
Portugal and Africa

Developing projects in Africa –

LESSONS LEARNT
A PODCAST WITH
NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT

EAST AFRICA:
The launch of Ethiopia’s National
Electrification Plan 2.0

RESPONSIBLE
CONFERENCING:
Africa Energy Forum to host football tournament
to support victims of Cyclone Idai

Africa Latin America

& Caribbean
EnergyNet Africa WELCOME

Welcome to the
ENERGYNET
MAGAZINE
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As you know, for 26 years EnergyNet
has focused squarely on energy and
energy infrastructure. Over the last
eight years I have enjoyed leading a
business brimming with passionate
and brilliant people who understand
the market, and work tirelessly to
Simon Gosling, Managing deliver value-adding events to support
Director, EnergyNet the sector. Over such a long period
there will always be a shift in business
development needs – so in this edition
of the EnergyNet Magazine I’m pleased
to outline our profile in 2019/20.
This year we’re taking a more streamlined
approach to bring together the right
stakeholders in four easily accessible
locations within our Africa portfolio,

2 2019 The EnergyNet


saving you time, money and energy.
That’s why 2019 will see only 4 Africa-
focused conferences - down from 13
in 2016 - to better serve your business
development needs.
• Africa Energy Forum (Lisbon, Portugal
2019 & Barcelona, Spain 2020)
• Powering Africa Summit (Miami,
USA)
• Regional Energy Summit - West
Africa (Dakar, Senegal)
• Regional Energy Summit - East
Africa (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
The above portfolio will support
EnergyNet’s role as a responsible
business and champion of social,
gender and racial equality which
includes:
• Africa Energy Forum’s commitment
to women moderators this year (of
2019 The EnergyNet
which 52% are African) and the
broader delegate base, welcoming
over 700+ aspirational women
entrepreneurs and stakeholders
• Our recent and ongoing support of
the victims of Cyclone Idai – the
Africa Challenge Cup
• EnergyNet’s social programmes
where we have privately funded
renewable energy projects for female
African entrepreneurs
• Our commitment to over 100
African students (EnergyNet Student
Engagement Initiative) over the last
six years
In our LATAM Business we’re using
the same approach to help investors
engage with stakeholders. We’re
partnering with the International Gas
Union, ARPEL and OLADE to host
Greenam - Mariental Solar PV PLant
WELCOME EnergyNet Africa
the Latin America and Caribbean
Gas Conference (LGC) in Peru this
November - officially the World Gas
Conference (WGC) for Latin America.
Our partnership with OLADE brings
all 27 Ministers of Energy from across
LATAM and the Caribbean to Peru this
November, with sponsors invited to a
closed door Ministerial Round Table.
I look forward to seeing you all at the
Africa Energy Forum in a few weeks’
time - and if you have any needs which
EnergyNet may be able to support, we
are always ready to listen.
Very best,
Simon Gosling
3
EnergyNet Africa MIAMI

A word from our partners, Power Africa, following the

Powering Africa Summit in Miami (February 2019):

Our Partnership:  
AS STRONG AS EVER
For the fourth consecutive
year, Power Africa held its
annual Partners Meeting on
the side lines of the Powering
Africa Summit in the United
States — this year in Miami.
We hosted over 150 guests, from
over 100 private sector and
development partners, as well
as several African governments.

4 2019 The EnergyNet

 MIAMI EnergyNet Africa

W
e spent the day in discussion
with those partners, took an
honest self-assessment, and
we heard that while Power Africa has
been successful, significant challenges
remain for power sector investment
in Africa.

One particular item stood out — projected

power supply in the next five years may
actually exceed projected demand in key
countries unless we dramatically change
the landscape in terms of transmission
and distribution infrastructure
development and also better facilitate
power trading across countries. U.S.
agency leadership continued to
show unwavering support for Power
Africa’s efforts, with USAID’s Deputy
Administrator Bonnie Glick, U.S. African
Development Foundation President
C.D. Glin, Millennium Challenge
Corporation’s Vice President Karen
Sessions, U.S. Trade and Development
Agency’s Acting Director Tom
Hardy, Overseas Private Investment
Corporation’s Ryan Brennan, and the
U.S. Acting Executive Director at the
World Bank Erik Bethel all delivering
remarks during the Summit.
A lot of the talk during the conference project — potentially thousands of MW
We were also thrilled to have spent revolved around the potentially massive of new power that could be shared
a couple days with representatives gas find off the coast of South Africa, and among the countries in Southern Africa.
from the Governments of South our colleagues at the U.S. Department Given the excellent investment climates
Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and of Energy made it clear that the U.S. in both countries, the extremely high
K e nya   —   r e p r e s e n t a t iv e s wh o Government is standing by to provide quality of irradiation (some of the
understand our commitment to the South Africans with assistance if best, most consistent sunlight in the
improving the enabling environment requested. In Nigeria, our team is poised to world), and the low population density,
under Power Africa 2.0. In South Africa move quickly in the on- and off-grid space, our initial analysis suggests that a
recently, the Minister of Energy made now that the elections have concluded. large scale solar development could
a strong statement to the investment be cost competitive with almost any
community, reaffirming that the On the first day of the Summit, Power other technology and could be built
government would NOT seek to Africa rolled out a long-discussed relatively quickly. The biggest challenge
renegotiate the prices of earlier rounds proposal for helping Southern will be getting buy-in from the host
of the renewable energy independent Africa, particularly Botswana and governments, but we believe this
power project procurement program. Namibia, develop a mega solar proposal will help do just that.

2019 The EnergyNet 5

EnergyNet Africa WEST AFRICA NEWS
LEADING THE
CHARGE:
Energy Growth in Senegal and West Africa
Adopted in 2015,
T
he plan’s seventh goal aims
to provide reliable energy to
the United Nations all people: “Ensure access to
Sustainable affordable, reliable, sustainable and
modern energy for all.” This objective
Development Goals
is perhaps most pressing in West Africa,
provide a roadmap where millions do not have access to
for progress throughout reliable, high-quality energy. Despite
sitting atop substantial reserves of
the world over a natural gas, the region has the world’s
15-year period, lowest access rate to quality energy.
identifying seventeen The combination of ample resources,
interconnected strategies limitless opportunity for growth, and
the support of international institutions
for global prosperity.
has created an appealing environment
for investing in West Africa’s energy
sector. Ambitious projects are underway
in Senegal, as the nation is poised to
both shore up its own energy needs
and export to neighboring countries.
However, opportunities abound
throughout the region, particularly
among French-speaking nations like
Benin, Mali and Niger.
The Senegal River SENEGAL: WEST AFRICA’S
offers tremendous ENERGY HUB
opportunities for With a bustling capital city located on
energy development the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Senegal
has become a hotspot for new energy
projects. The most significant of these
projects are taking place not in Senegal
6 2019 The EnergyNet
itself, but in the country’s territorial
waters in the Atlantic. BP’s Greater
Tortue project has progressed steadily,
with the company recently agreeing
to collaborate with TechnipFMC to
develop a floating production storage
and offloading unit on the maritime
border of Senegal and Mauritania. The
Greater Tortue project is expected to
begin production in the early 2020s, and
it could produce up to 10 million cubic
tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG)
each year depending on the extent of
the areas resources.
Senegal’s territorial riches are not limited
to LNG, however, as the Senegal River
offers tremendous opportunities for
energy development. The 675 mile-long
river forms a natural border between
Senegal and Mauritania (as well as
Guinea and Mali), and it is overseen by
the Organisation for the Promotion of the
Senegal River (OMVS). This ambitious
organisation seeks to use hydropower
plants and microplants to provide rural
electrification; OMVS recently signed
a contract with Sinohydro to construct
a 294 MW hydropower plant in the
Republic of Guinea. With a track record
of success and a long-term vision for
further construction, OMVS should offer
an appealing entry point for international
energy players and investors.
 WEST AFRICA NEWS EnergyNet Africa

2019 The EnergyNet 7

EnergyNet Africa WEST AFRICA NEWS

The programme is intended to incentivise

private investment in the region and promote
the benefits of solar solutions. The financing
project, ... will be overseen by the West African
Development Bank.

WIDESPREAD RENEWABLE Gas Pipeline and Trans Sahara Gas

ENERGY EFFORTS
West Africa’s energy growth has not
been limited to Senegal, as international
organisations focus their attention on
developing new resources throughout
the region. In February 2019, the Green
Climate Fund (established through the
United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change) approved a 100
million Euro loan to finance solar
energy projects in six West African
countries. The programme is intended
to incentivise private investment in the
region and promote the benefits of solar
solutions. The financing project, which
will support efforts in Benin, Burkina
Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger and
Togo, will be overseen by the West
African Development Bank.
The enthusiasm of the United Nations
for West African development has been
matched by other national entities.
The Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation (NNPC) recently pushed
for increased energy integration
among West African nations, a call
that has been echoed by Rick Perry,
the United States Secretary of Energy.
The NNPC has led major oil projects in
the region including the West African
Pipeline. Increased investment in these
infrastructure projects are expected to
provide widespread benefit to West
Africa, mobilising economic growth
and reducing unemployment.
ELECTRICITY IN BURKINA
FASO
While Nigeria focuses on petroleum
and Senegal on LNG and hydropower,
Burkina Faso has worked to develop
power transmission lines. The country
aims to increase its electricity access
rate to 80% by 2020, a monumental
increase from current levels (around
20%). Burkina Faso recently secured
more than 50 million Euro in funding
from the European Union to construct
880 kilometers power transmission lines.
The Dorsale Nord project will stretch
from Nigeria to Burkina Faso’s capital
of Ougadougou, and it is expected to
provide 150 MW of reliable power.
Lofty goals, international interest,
and major investments define the
current West African energy picture.
The next decade will undoubtedly see
monumental progress and innovation,
offering boundless opportunities for
shrewd players in the energy industry.

8 2019 The EnergyNet

 Africa

10 - 11 OCTOBER 2019 • SENEGAL

POLICY RENEWABLES OIL & GAS FINANCE

The 5th annual Regional Energy Summit: West Africa (RES: West Africa) will arrive for
the first time in Dakar, Senegal from 10-11 October 2019. RES: West Africa will bring
together over 800 investors, project leaders and government representatives to engage
and present the latest developments on enhancing the energy mix within West Africa.

The Summit will feature project focused discussions on Gas, Wind, Solar, Hydro and
Off-grid and will showcase investment opportunities through regional anchor projects,
infrastructure financing and the future of renewable energy within Senegal and beyond.

For more information contact:

res-west@energynet.co.uk
www.recs-west.com
EnergyNet Africa EAST AFRICA NEWS
Ethiopia: The launch of the
NATIONAL
ELECTRIFICATION
PROGRAM 2.0
T
At our most recent he Program envisions universal
electricity access by 2025, with
Regional Energy 65% of the electricity coming
Cooperation Summit from the grid and 35% from a variety
of off-grid systems. The following
in Addis Ababa, His
extract is taken from the National
Excellency Honourable Electrification Program (NEP) 2.0 –
Minister Dr Seleshi Federal Democratic Republic of
Ethiopia.
Bekele, Minister of
Water, Irrigation FOREWORD
and Energy launched Following the successful launch and
Ethiopia’s updated rolling implementation of Ethiopia’s
First National Electrification Program
version of the National
(NEP) in 2017, the Government
Electrification Program of Ethiopia (GoE) has achieved
(NEP 2.0), first launched significant milestones in connecting
33 percent of its population with on-
in November 2017. grid electrification and 11 percent
with off-grid pre-electrification, with
the combined achievement of 44
percent of electricity access. Although
substantial progress has been made
in the sector, Ethiopia’s electrification
needs are still significant. More than
half of Ethiopia’s population (56
percent) still does not have access to
electricity. By 2025, Ethiopia desires to
10
attain middle-income country status,
rural and urban electricity access is
targeted to achieve 100 percent.
Achieving Ethiopia’s development
vision of transformative growth and
widely shared prosperity requires timely
provision of adequate, affordable,
and reliable electricity access to all.
Clean electricity access is an essential
pillar of sustainable development,
economic growth, and social and
environmental development. Access
to reliable and affordable energy is at
the very core of the modernization
of the national economy and well-
being of our citizens and communities;
enabling efficient, timely, and essential
productive uses and service delivery
of adequate quality in education
and healthcare, as well as access
to water, telecommunications and
financial services.
With mega projects like the Grand
Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and
Koysha Hydro Power Plant, the
installed power generation capacity
of Ethiopia is expected to more
2019 The EnergyNet
 Africa

10-13 MARCH 2020 • ETHIOPIA

POLICY RENEWABLES FINANCE OFF-GRID

The 4TH annual Regional Energy Summit: East Africa (RES: East Africa) will
return to Addis Ababa in March 2020 to present the latest developments within large-
scale power generation.

The Summit will feature project-focused panel discussions showcasing regional anchor
projects, infrastructure financing and the future of renewable energy PPPs and IPPs.

The Off Grid stream will once again gather the most proactive developers, regulators,
policy-makers and financiers in the off-grid and mini-grid space.

For more information contact:

res-east@energynet.co.uk
www.recs-east.com
EnergyNet Africa EAST AFRICA NEWS
than double from the current levels.
These are visible indicators of rapid
growth in electricity generation and
overall development.
In addition to significant upcoming
increase in installed capacity,
substantial progress has been made
in terms of engagement of the private
sector. The GoE has established
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for
the transformation of energy project
financing and implementation. Future
geothermal, hydro, solar and wind
power generation projects will be
developed by private Independent
Power Producers (IPPs) utilizing
project finance modalities, where the
public sector will focus on regulatory
and off-taker roles. The major gaps
in transmission and substation
development to supply industrial parks,
railway lines, agro-processing centers
and rehabilitation of additional major
towns are also being considered for
Joint Venture development between
the public and private sector.
To further transform the power sector,
enable PPP modalities, stakeholders
are working on major initiatives to
improve technical, operational and
financial performance of EEU and EEP,
and enhanced regulatory framework
at EEA. The sector expects to
reduce technical losses and improve
power reliability with the recently
completed 8-town rehabilitation and
ongoing 6-town rehabilitation projects
including in the capital city of Addis
Ababa. With the introduction of
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
system at both EEP and EEU, recent
establishment of cost reflective tariffs,
significant improvement in billing and
collection rates and decentralization of
12
the utility to regional constituencies,
the sector is on the right track to
become financially strong and
operationally efficient.
The updated version of the National
Electrification Program (NEP 2.0)
focuses on integrated—grid and off-
grid electricity access—and provides
an implementation framework for
the achievement of 35 percent of
off-grid access by 2025. The NEP
document has been updated to reflect
the government’s commitment to
revise the electrification program
based on implementation progress
and improved analytics. To achieve
GoE’s universal electricity access
goal by 2025, the NEP 2.0 takes stock
of the progress achieved since the
launch of the first NEP, updates grid
electrification targets and costing,
and provides a detailed off-grid
implementation framework based on
best practices and consultations with
public and private sector implementing
agents. The design of NEP 2.0 brings
together all sector stakeholders and
Development Partners, led by the GoE.
In addition,
NEP 2.0 presents a full-fledged integrated
sector-wide approach to electrification,
building on best practices: household
connections are linked with generation
and transmission plans, to ensure that
clean and sufficient electrons reach all
households across the country. Meeting
the double electrification imperative—
to increase both capacity and reach
of electrification is a significant task.
However, it’s also an exceptional
opportunity to develop Ethiopia in
tandem with its aspiration of becoming
a middle-income country and a leading
player in the regional power trade.
By 2025, the NEP will implement: (i) 8.2
million new grid connections, and (ii) 6
million beneficiaries will have access
to off-grid solutions through stand-
alone solar solutions and mini-grids
technologies, illuminating the country,
irrespective of where someone happens
to live.
The investment and directly related
program implementation support
requirements of the NEP 2.0 are
substantial and require mobilizing
significant amount of financing. The
NEP 2.0 includes a prospectus for
syndicating nearly US$6 billion of
financing in direct investments and
Technical Assistance for on-grid and
off-grid electrification. The GoE is
confident that our stakeholders and
Development Partners are as excited
as we are towards achieving universal
electricity access by 2025. With these
strategic interventions of generation,
access and improving efficiency;
Ethiopia is well placed to achieve
the 2030 agenda for Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
I wish to thank government agencies
and our Development Partners for
their contributions to date, toward
preparation of this second NEP. Going
forward, the NEP will keep being a
living document, periodically updated,
to respond to significantly changed
circumstances or information about key
technical, economic, or other variables
underpinning its design.
Minister Dr. Seleshi Bekele
Ministry of Water, Irrigation,
and Energy
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2019 The EnergyNet
 Forum Sponsor

Africa

Energy.
In one place.

11 - 14 JUNE 2019 • LISBON

africa-energy-forum.com
EnergyNet Africa aef IN PORTUGAL
IMPLEMENTING
PORTUGAL’S
RENEWABLES
ROADMAP
Exclusive interview with João Galamba, Secretary of State for Energy
The Portuguese
Government is currently
enacting change across
its energy landscape
in order to achieve a
47 percent renewables
influence by 2030. As its
capital Lisbon prepares
to host this year’s Africa
Energy Forum, this
initiative has taken on
extra significance as the
two regions continue to
find synergies in their
targets.
14
C
lear objectives have been
adopted to promote energy
efficiency among consumers,
within industrial processes, and via
the expansion of electric mobility,
as part of Portugal’s drive to set an
example in Europe, and indeed to
Africa. The country’s Secretary of
State for Energy, João Galamba, is
therefore better placed than most to
outline the country’s plan to exploit
endogenous resources in the name of
cleaner energy.
“My mission under the Ministry of the
Environment and Energy Transition
is to formulate, conduct, execute and
evaluate policies on the environment,
urban planning, cities, housing, urban
transport, suburban and road passenger
transport, climate, nature conservation
and energy with a view to a sustainable
development and social and territorial
cohesion,” he explains.
Regarding energy specifically, he
continues: “Portugal is set to achieve
carbon neutrality by 2050, with the
greatest effort done in the next decade.
The National Energy and Climate
Plan (NECP) therefore reflects the
challenges and the main steps to be
developed by 2030, aligned with a
trajectory of carbon neutrality.”
In this framework, new emission
reduction targets have been
established, whereby final energy
consumption will incorporate 47
percent renewables, while 80 percent
of electricity generation will likewise
derive from renewable sources.
2019 The EnergyNet
João Galamba, Secretary of
State for Energy

2019 The EnergyNet 15

EnergyNet Africa aef IN PORTUGAL
“Furthermore, we now have a target to
achieve 35 percent energy efficiency
by 2030,” Galamba adds. “The future
energy system should guarantee the
challenge to manage the integration
of a massive capacity of intermittent
renewable energies, fluctuations in
electricity generation and the proper
balance between energy supply
and demand.”
This energy transition also comprises the
decommissioning of coal-fired power
stations before 2030, compensated by a
focus on renewable energy generation;
with much of the focus turning towards
the vast potential of solar.
“To reinforce solar capacity we’ll be
conducting power generation auctions,”
Galamba says. “The first of these is
scheduled for July of this year, estimated
around 1,350 MW. In January 2020,
another auction of 700 MW will take
place, in a series of two auctions per
year. The aim is to reach between 6 and 7
GW of new capacity in PV power plants
to be in operation by 2027.”
These goals are
ambitious, but also
realistic, based on
Portugal’s commitment
towards building a
green and sustainable
economy
16
Portugal’s energy transition hopes to be
completed to the tune of 100 percent
renewables adoption by 2050
BUILDING A GREEN AND
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY
Ultimately, Portugal’s energy transition
hopes to be completed to the tune of
100 percent renewables adoption by
2050 – a complete decarbonisation of
the power sector.
It’s a goal very much in-keeping with
Portugal’s existing reputation as a
leading country in the fight against
climate change and the championing
of clean energy.
“Achieving carbon neutrality requires a
real energy transition,” Galamba says.
“Our National Energy and Climate Plan
translates this aim for the 2030 horizon,
aligning the trajectories of carbon
neutrality alongside new goals of reduced
emissions, incorporating renewables and
improving energy efficiency.
“These goals are ambitious, but also
realistic, based both on the path Portugal
has followed historically, and on its
present commitment towards building
a green and sustainable economy.”
This energy transition is a long-term
process that will radically transform the
way Portugal produces, stores, distributes,
and consumes energy. By reinforcing the
incorporation of renewable energies into
the national energy system, Galamba
explains that it will correspond to a
progressive decarbonisation of the
country’s economy.
The transition won’t be cheap of course,
with billions of Euros already earmarked
for NECP 2030. However, it is necessary
given the sweeping infrastructure
overhauls required to embrace the
power of solar in particular, but also
a more diverse renewables landscape
moving forward.
“Solar energy will play a decisive
role in increasing renewable capacity
from 0.5 GW in 2015, to an expected
range of 8.1-9.9 GW by 2030,”
Galamba explains. “Although wind
power will continue to play a key role,
and is expected to continue to grow
(representing approximately 35 percent
of the estimated production by 2030),
other renewables (biofuels, biomass,
biogas, geothermal, oceans) and storage
technologies as well as energy vectors
(eg hydrogen) are also being addressed.”
In cold hard stats, NECP 2030 will be
instrumental to the long-term process of
transformation that will facilitate carbon
neutrality for Portugal’s energy system
by 2050; and a rise in renewable energy
2019 The EnergyNet

production from 11.8 GW in 2015 to as
much as 28.8 GW in 2030.
“Adding to that, there is also the
opportunity to promote the circular
economy towards a sustainable 100
percent renewable-based energy
transition, especially, addressing the
sustainable management of other
key issues such as strategic minerals,
responsible mineral sourcing, water
usage and the value for related
local communities.
“Overall, the NECP 2030 implementation
reinforces the Portuguese path and
the commitment to keep improving
performance,” Galamba surmises.
STRENGTHENING THE
COOPERATION BETWEEN
AFRICA AND EUROPE
The learning curve that Portugal is
following at present represents the best
of the country’s local expertise, but also
its global outlook. Understanding global
and local challenges simultaneously,
partnering accordingly, and contributing
to the mitigation of a very international
challenge is a familiar ethos for the
country; and one that will be put on
display at this year’s Africa Energy
Forum in Lisbon this June.
“Portugal, as a member of the
Community of Portuguese Speaking
Countries (CPLP), has long-promoted a
strong cooperation between ourselves
and several African countries in different
fields, including the energy sector,”
Galamba says. “The CPLP’s strategic
vision reiterates the strengthening of
multilateral cooperation, based on the
interest of its peoples in sustainable
and harmonious development, by
2019 The EnergyNet
identifying realistic objectives and
actions, valuing the potential and
priorities of each country.”
The CPLP corresponds to a seventh of
the world’s hydrocarbon producers, with
prospects of improving its position in the
coming years to give the community even
more strategic importance. As evidence
of its successful functionality, in 2017, it
was decided among the association to
increase the use of renewable energy
and to promote energy efficiency in
order to achieve diversification of the
energy mix, rational use of energy, and
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Galamba elaborates: “The energy theme
has a very important geostrategic
dimension where the Community
of Portuguese Speaking Countries
asserts itself, and energy diplomacy is
increasingly a relevant tool to which
Portugal has contributed. Moreover, the
energy cooperation between Portugal
and African countries at bilateral level
has been amplified, generating excellent
synergies through direct prolific
relations.
“As such, it is a great honour to host this
year’s Africa Energy Forum in Lisbon.
In as much as energy is a fundamental
axis of international relations, there is
a real need for an effective diplomatic,
institutional and business cooperation
between counties. Therefore, the
Africa Energy Forum is an excellent
opportunity to debate the energy sector,
create new partnerships and deepen
existing relations.”
Galamba emphasises how pivotal
Portugal will be not just in setting an
example from its domestic setting, but
in connecting Europe and Africa under
aef IN PORTUGAL EnergyNet Africa
the banner of energy in the future.
The country’s experience in deploying
reliable renewable technologies,
promoting effective energy efficiency
initiatives and supporting energy
innovation makes it a prime candidate
for knowledge sharing and indeed
event hosting.
“The Africa Energy Forum will
strengthen the cooperation between
African and European countries,
identifying opportunities to work
together in the upcoming years,”
Galamba aptly concludes.
JOÃO SALDANHA DE AZEVEDO
GALAMBA
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR
ENERGY, PORTUGAL
João Saldanha de Azevedo Galamba
was born in Lisbon, on August 4, 1976.
Holds a degree in Economics
(Universidade Nova de Lisboa), took
the doctoral program towards his Ph.D.
in Political Science at the London
School of Economics and taught
Political Philosophy.
Worked at Banco Santander de
Negócios, at DiamondCluster
International, at the Portuguese
Presidency of the Council of the
European Union and at the Integrated
Continuing Care Mission Unit.
Member of the Portuguese Parliament
since 2009, being a member of the XI,
XII and XIII Legislatures. Coordinated
the Members of Parliament of the
Socialist Party in the Budget and
Finance Committee and was Vice-
President of the Socialist Party
Parliamentary Group.
Written by Matthew Staff
17
EnergyNet Africa aef IN PORTUGAL
THE RISE OF
RENEWABLES:
synergies between Portugal and Africa
There is far more that
links Portugal and
Africa beyond history
and geography. From
an industrial standpoint
the two entities may be
at different stages but
when it comes to energy,
the rise of renewables
has brought about an
interesting synergy – one
that makes the upcoming
Africa Energy Forum in
Lisbon one of the most
intriguing yet.
18
T
o the north, despite Portugal’s
traditional success throughout
the advent of renewable energy,
the country has fallen behind as new
methods surrounding offshore and
wind overtake the importance that was
initially placed on onshore generation.
At the heart of this momentum shift
is the country’s leading energy player,
EDP, who has long urged Portugal to
react more speedily to this change
of direction.
“The focus on the accommodation of
cleaner energy - namely offshore wind and
especially solar - presents a challenge of
developing decentralised generation while
surrounded by a grid that was built based
on traditional big powerplants,” introduces
the company’s Executive Director, João
Marques da Cruz. “This will require huge
investments now, not just in hardware and
equipment, but also in intelligence in order
to manage this decentralised generation.
“This transition is the biggest challenge
that everybody is facing right now
in Portugal.”
This is where the alignment with
Africa’s own nascent venture into clean
energy and decentralised solutions
comes into play.
However, Portugal has the benefit of
being a previous leader in the onshore
space to leverage investment and
progression, and Mr Cruz is hopeful that
this will help his own domestic market
react sufficiently, while also applying
lessons learned to neighbours across
the continental border.
“In Portugal, in decentralised solar
particularly, we already have a lot of
players wanting to make investments
in Portugal. This is why the challenge
now is to prepare the grid for this new
wave of renewables based on solar,”
he says. “It’s also where we at EDP
are most active at present, offering
solar solutions to the market; and it’s
also where we’re continuing to have
an influence in Africa, especially in
Portuguese-speaking countries.”
A NEW WAVE OF
DECENTRALISED CLEAN
ENERGY
Across Angola, Mozambique and Cape
Verde in particular, EDP is joining
numerous international players in
mirroring domestic development with
international opportunity.
In Africa, Mr Cruz believes the first
step is to veer away from traditional
2019 The EnergyNet

generation by promoting localised, off-
grid solutions.
“Sustainable, local grid solutions,” he
corrects. “When we think about off-grid
solutions (and local grids are disconnected
from the rest of the grid so are classed as
off-grid), it’s important to accommodate
local generation with improved grid
management and supply skills.
“This kind of ‘island’ in terms of energy
management is something we believe
is one of the main drivers for Africa
and other places lacking a more robust
central grid.”
The belief extends to an expectation
that local off-grid options will generate
a better quality of clean energy than the
main grid can provide, and it’s something
that both Africa and Portugal need to
diversify into in order to fully capitalise
on the opportunities that offshore
generation and solar present.
More important still is the idea of
implementing the two strands of energy
generation in tandem.
Mr Cruz explains: “In Portugal we have
a two-step approach to first address
large windfarms and then look into
decentralised generation. One thing
we’ve learned from projects in Africa
though is that we can do these two
things together without phases.
My suggestion for both is - without
forgetting the big windfarm projects that
countries are already deadlocked into –
to also look towards decentralised solar
solutions simultaneously.
“You can do them together and there’s
no reason why this new wave of
decentralised clean energy should be
2019 The EnergyNet
looked at as opposite to the big wind
farms or centralised renewable projects
already ongoing.”
‘NOW’ IS THE MOMENT
FOR AFRICA
‘Doing things together’ ties in nicely with
the forthcoming Africa Energy Forum in
Lisbon this June; affirming that Portugal’s
historical ties with Africa can be brought
into modern times via networking,
knowledge sharing and - hopefully, as
far as Mr Cruz is concerned - tangible
investments and project building.
“This event needs to be seen as a
starting point,” he says. “If the event
doesn’t initiate any real process of
investment or collaboration then it’s not
a success, but I hope in this case with the
participants in attendance, that we can
create a momentum of more investment
in energy in African countries.”
This wish comes from a realisation that
situations need to improve on both sides.
Whereas Africa is trying to offset central
challenges, Portugal is trying to reinvent
its renewables landscape; but the
common thread across both is the kinds
of projects that can be implemented.
And they need to be implemented soon.
“’Delay’ is a common word associated
with energy projects, especially in
Africa, but I hope when we speak of this
event in years to come we’ll look back
at a positive turning point whereby
leaders and companies began to push
through projects rather than just talk
about them,” Mr Cruz concludes.
“There are much better conditions for
implementation now because local
authorities understand the need to
invest in clean energy, and hopefully
aef IN PORTUGAL EnergyNet Africa
the consensus now is to invest in
renewable energy – both across
centralised and traditional windfarm
projects, and these aforementioned
decentralised options too.
“I hope that major players can
understand that ‘now’ is the moment
for Africa. EDP certainly understands
and is ready.”
JOÃO MARQUES DA CRUZ
MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE
BOARD, EDP
Mr Cruz holds a Management
Degree from ISE – Instituto Superior
de Economia of the Universidade
Técnica de Lisboa (1984), an MBA in
Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (1989)
and a Postgraduate Degree in Airlines
Management and Marketing from IATA
– International Air Travel Association
and Bath University (1992). He was
elected Member of the Executive Board
of EDP Renováveis in May of 2012,
Chairman of Câmara Comércio Luso-
Chinesa in April of 2012 and Chairman
of EDP Internacional in September of
2014. He was elected Member of the
Executive Board of EDP in February of
2012, being re-elected in April of 2015
and again in April of 2018.
19
EnergyNet Africa aef IN PORTUGAL

Meet the companies paving the way for

PORTUGAL-AFRICA
ENERGY
PARTNERSHIPS
T
According to a recent
OECD Economy Survey,
Portugal is making
concerted progress when it
comes to its emissions and
sustainable energy goals,
but there is still room for
further improvement.
his blend of sustainable strategy
but work-in-progress status,
makes Portugal – via its capital,
Lisbon – the ideal host for this year’s
Africa Energy Forum; an event which
similarly champions an ongoing strive
for energy evolution.
On the renewables front, successes are
slightly more tangible, with Portugal on
target to meet a target of 31 percent
renewables dependency by the end
of 2020.
“Energy supply from renewable
sources increased by almost 70
percent between 2005 and 2016 and
accounted for 55 percent of electricity
generation in 2016,” further introduces
Ângelo Ramalho, CEO at Efacec, a
Portuguese company facilitating
industrial and energy developments
on a global scale. “The surge has
been driven mainly by the expansion
of wind energy generation, which
increased 14-fold between 2004
and 2015. OECD predicts that given
Portugal’s dependence on imports
of fossil fuels, further investment in
renewable energy not only has the
potential to lower GHG emissions but
also to improve energy security.”
Efacec has the perfect vantage point,
in both overseeing and contributing
to Portugal’s energy journey. The
company’s proficiency in designing,
developing and manufacturing
products to cater for the full energy
value chain has made it a significant
cog in Portugal’s sustainability machine;
while its knowledge base and portfolio
paints a much more international picture
via its role in energy, mobility and
environmental projects in more than
90 countries.
“Efacec stands out, at national and
international level, by having the
competitive advantage of turnkey
solutions (EPC - engineering,
procurement, and construction), with
the possibility of including in-house
equipment; guaranteeing quality and
reliability in the solutions presented,”
Ramalho states.
With numerous projects backlogged
as a result of Efacec’s market appeal,
the company has a sustainable future

20 2019 The EnergyNet

 aef IN PORTUGAL EnergyNet Africa

Ângelo Ramalho, CEO, Efacec

2019 The EnergyNet 21

EnergyNet Africa aef IN PORTUGAL
Picture of our New Energy
Transmission Grid Project in Tunisia.
secured in Europe, Latin America, its
homeland of course, and finally – Africa.
“From our point of view, the
relationship between Portugal and
Africa is very positive, based on a
logic of partnership, and focused
on the development of projects and
infrastructures that promote people’s
quality of life,” Ramalho continues.
“Portugal has an unquestionable role
in the development of much-needed
energy infrastructures across several
African countries; notably Cape Verde,
Angola and Mozambique.
“Efacec has an historical presence in
these markets but regardless of our
close connection to Portuguese speaking
African countries, Efacec aspires to
be a relevant player across the entire
Continent. To this extent, we are also
currently active in other African markets
including Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya,
Ethiopia, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.”
22
CONTRIBUTING TO
AFRICA’S SOCIO-
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
North Africa has been a significant region
for Efacec since the 1990s, emphasising
how widespread the continent’s energy
evolution has been. Over the coming
years, strong investments are planned
across power grids and electrical
interconnections in several countries
in West, Central and North Africa –
especially Morocco, a relative neighbour
to Portugal.
“Efacec believes in the high potential
of the Moroccan market, that has
increasing levels of investment
expected, particularly in solar power
plants, electrical substations up to
400KV and the retrofit of hydroelectric
power stations,” Ramalho explains. “In
addition, investments in wastewater
treatment plants is also a trend
where Efacec is playing a relevant
role with several projects attained in
recent years.”
One of the more recent projects won by
Efacec in Morocco occurred in December
2018, with the signing of the contract of
the Bouregreg Water Treatment Plant, the
largest water treatment plant in Morocco;
highlighting both the company’s and the
country’s ongoing proactivity.
Meanwhile, in Angola, Efacec has
produced and installed the largest
and most powerful transformer in the
country; in Guinea-Bissau, Efacec
won an international public bid for the
construction of two substations and a 6.2
kilometre link to the new thermal power
station; and in Rwanda, the company
was selected for the construction of
three new 200KV substations.
These are just a select few examples,
but each represent not just Africa’s rising
prominence in the global energy order,
2019 The EnergyNet

but companies like Efacec’s willingness
to aid this mission.
“With each project, we are not just
providing technical expertise, but we
are also raising living standards and
making significant contributions to the
socio-economic development of these
African countries,” Ramalho says. “As
we think how to operate in any given
African country, the word ‘partnership’
is paramount. Equal partnerships allow
knowledge transference and local
community learning and empowerment.
As years go by, the local utilities are
benefiting from those international
contractors who come to stay in
the country and play a role in the
development of the local economy.
“As a global player in Africa, Efacec
continues to live by this partnership
spirit by incorporating local content as
much as we can.”
EMPOWERING AFRICA’S
FUTURE
Partnership has been a recurring theme
underpinning the Africa Energy Forum
over the years too, and Efacec is excited
about the prospect of this year’s event
being hosted in Lisbon.
“Undoubtedly, it will be a high-level
forum to discuss the state-of-art, and
the future evolution of the energy sector
in Africa,” Ramalho affirms.
As a prominent solutions provider in
the space, Efacec wants to be part of
the debate, and inevitably through its
experience and portfolio in both Portugal
and Africa, it has more to offer than
most to the debates being conducted
this coming June.
2019 The EnergyNet
aef IN PORTUGAL EnergyNet Africa
Ramalho continues: “We believe that
the knowhow we have, our expertise
to deliver high impact projects on time
and to high quality standards, and our
We are also there
ability to deliver turnkey solutions makes to listen to African
us more than a relevant contributor to
this event.
political and economic
authorities to assess their
“That being said, we are also there to
listen to African political and economic
needs and ambitions for
authorities to assess their needs and the energy development
ambitions for the energy development
of their countries.
of their countries. We are sure that
some relevant business opportunities
and synergies will then emerge.”
Ramalho goes on to laud Portugal’s
event-hosting capabilities and is equally
excited at the prospect of networking
and learning over the course of the four
ÂNGELO RAMALHO
days, as he is conducting business. CEO, EFACEC
In doing so, Efacec will continue Has a Degree in Mechanical Engineering
to enhance its understanding of a from the Faculty of Engineering of the
continent that it has helped empower University of Porto and the PADE –
Advanced Management Program AESE.
and flourish from a power perspective
Since October 2015, Ângelo Ramalho is
over the years. Contributing to the
the Chief Executive Officer of Efacec.
full value chain, from generation
to distribution, the company is
He has an extensive professional
excited about the future of African career, initially in the oil & gas industry,
energy, especially given the growing particularly in Shell Portugal, Gás de
investment interest being targeted Portugal and Galp Energia. Among
towards its key regions. other prominent roles, he was Managing
Director of Natural Gas distribution
“It is interesting to see increasing companies, Lusitaniagás and Lisboagás,
interest in Africa from IFIs and this will Executive Director of Galp Power and
help foster the pressing infrastructure LPG General Manager of Galp Energia.
needs of countries in the region,” He also performed non-executive
director roles at Portgás, Setgás, Galp
Ramalho concludes. “Efacec will keep
Azores and Galp Madeira. In December
participating in this process by being an
2006 he took over the Chairman of
active player in the energy sector, as this
Board of Directors and Director of
is where our heart and legacy is.
Global Power Sales Alstom Portugal. He
believes that the energy of his people is
“We want to continue our contribution the critical factor of success in achieving
towards Africa’s economic and social the projects he leads.
growth - to empower Africa’s future.”
23
EnergyNet Africa aef IN PORTUGAL

TRANSMISSION
AND DISTRIBUTION
IS EVOLVING IN
AFRICA-
but how can private sector support this
trend and unlock its potential?
Here we speak with
Simon Hodson, CEO of
newly launched platform
Gridworks, about the
tools needed to improve
power networks and drive
improvements in the sector
G
ridworks, a newly launched generation capacity has increased in
platform backed by CDC, is many countries, grid capacity remains
a dedicated developer and a bottleneck to the availability and
investment platform for electricity affordability of power. Off-grid solutions
network investments in Africa. have attracted significant investments
recently and, whilst there are important
What recent developments have
taken place in Africa’s T&D space?
The T&D space on the continent
is evolving and I expect the pace of Key stakeholders are
development will continue to increase
over the coming years. Key stakeholders,
increasingly looking to
including governments and multilateral private sector
institutions, are increasingly looking to
private sector involvement in T&D as one involvement in T&D
of the tools needed to improve power as one of the tools
networks and this presents a range of
opportunities for Gridworks (the CDC
to improve power
backed dedicated development and networks
investment platform in T&D which I
lead) to explore. The fundamental
challenge remains though, that while

24 2019 The EnergyNet


issues to overcome, this is clearly a
developing market which we all see has
the potential to play an important role
in driving improvements in the sector,
if executed in a coordinated fashion.
How can private sector financing
support the development of T&D
in Africa?
It is widely accepted that significant
capital investment is needed in
T&D in Africa (McKinsey estimate
$345bn between 2015 and 2040).
This need for investment means that
the private sector, working alongside
other sources of capital, will have a
significant role to play. It is important
to encourage stakeholders to work
together in partnership to develop and
structure investable opportunities to
unlock this funding.
Private sector financing is not a
silver bullet solution but sustainable
and long-term investment from the
private sector can, with the support
of other stakeholders, contribute to
improvements in the sector by funding
appropriate capital investment and
driving technical improvements. With
the right support management practices
can reduce losses, improve health
and safety and contribute to a more
sustainable power sector.
Ultimately, I believe that private sector
investment can, in the right conditions,
drive significant improvements in the
quality, quantity and availability of
power to end users. CDC is an example
of where private capital has been
pivotal (for example Virunga Energies
in the DRC and Umeme in Uganda)
and Gridworks will aim to build upon
these successes.
2019 The EnergyNet
aef IN PORTUGAL EnergyNet Africa
Why do you think the Africa Energy in this sector by CDC to date. Networks
Forum is valuable to the Africa and partnerships are key to operating
power sector? successfully in the market and my team
and I who are attending AEF hope to
A coordinated effort is required to build on old relationships and develop
improve the power sector in Africa and new ones.
partnerships are key. AEF is an excellent
opportunity for stakeholders to get
together, share ideas and collaborate.
Coordination is important in a number
of areas – technical, financing and
regulatory – it is important that as a
group of stakeholders in this vital
sector we share best practices and work
together for the improvements we all
strive for.
Which countries in Africa are a
focus for Gridworks and why?
Gridworks and CDC have experience
working across the continent. Our
focus will be to find opportunities to
work with governments and partners
in order to accelerate the delivery of
affordable, reliable power to households
and businesses. Gridworks will focus
its resources on countries where there SIMON HODSON
is a receptivity to facilitate private CEO, GRIDWORKS DEVELOPMENT
sector investment. Investments could PARTNERS
be in the form of utility concessions,
Simon is CEO of Gridworks
public private partnerships (PPPs),
Development Partners, a newly
management contracts, r ural
launched platform owned and
electrification programmes, distributed
funded by CDC Group. Gridworks is
power companies/projects, or utility dedicated to developing and investing
services companies. in opportunities in the transmission
and distribution and off-grid sectors
What are your objectives for the in Africa. Simon has three decades of
21st Africa Energy Forum? experience making and managing direct
investments in developing countries.
I lead Gridworks, a newly launched Simon has previously held roles at Delin
platform backed by CDC as a dedicated Capital, IPS (part of the Aga Khan Fund
developer and investment platform for for Economic Development), CDC
Group as well as funds in Cyprus and
electricity network investments in Africa.
Cuba. Simon originally qualified as a
We are using the AEF to announce our
chartered accountant.
launch and build upon the work done
25
EnergyNet Africa aef HIGHLIGHTS
aef 2019 HIGHLIGHTS
What to expect at the upcoming Africa Energy
Forum in Lisbon
THE AFRICA CHALLENGE
CUP
The Africa Challenge Cup football
tournament takes place on the evening of
Wednesday 12th June during the Africa
Energy Forum (aef), to raise £50,000 for
victims of Cyclone Idai. Come along
and support the players alongside
1,000 delegates, African government
delegations and Manchester United
legends. Invite your friends, clients and
investors and be a part of what can only
be described as ‘soccer aid’ for Africa.
The tournament takes place at the Os
Belenenses, Estádio do Restelo stadium
in Lisbon. Book your free ticket now
ANNOUNCING PROJECTS CLOSED BY THE AEF
COMMUNITY
For the first time in 21 years aef 2019 will start with a celebratory presentation
of all the projects either brought to financial or operational close over the past
18 months. We will also be publishing a project announcements booklet of all
projects which will be handed out to aef delegates.
Scatec Solar ASA - Upington
26
WOMEN MODERATORS
AT aef 2019
As a business with 75% female
leadership, aef 2019 is proud to
announce that all 56 sessions in Lisbon
will be moderated by some of the most
brilliant women in the energy sector.
In Lisbon we expect over 25% women
participants from 3,000 delegates, up
from just 9% in 2012. To celebrate
this progress, we’re looking forward to
welcoming a programme of all-women
moderators to Lisbon. Do you know
an inspirational woman in the energy
sector? We’d love to hear from you!
Submit your nomination
2019 The EnergyNet
 aef HIGHLIGHTS EnergyNet Africa

FRIDAY 14 JUNE -
HIGHLIGHTS FROM
THE FINAL DAY
Eskom will host an interactive
session on - Insights, Planning and
Stability. How is Eskom, a Global
Scale African Utility, Dealing with
Its Challenges.
The Portuguese Government will
present the tender process for
1.35GW (2019) and 700MW (early
2020) of PV projects in Portugal.
THE INNOVATION THEATRE RETURNS
This year’s aef Innovation Theatre, sponsored by ABB,
will take a closer look at the battery storage sector. With
technology moving so fast, when is the right time to
introduce storage based solutions? And what foundations
can developers and utilities be laying in preparation for the
‘storage boom’?
The Innovation Theatre is a separate stream to the main
agenda, running throughout Wednesday and Thursday.
Expect compelling case studies, dynamic speakers
and a game-changing iproduct showcase of innovative
storage-based technologies by some of the world’s leading
companies. Not to be missed! Read the working agenda

ENERGYNET STUDENT ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE (ESEI)

Now in its 6th year, ESEI has supported nearly 100 African students to learn from global energy companies and explore
employment prospects. ESEI promotes human capital development and job creation across Africa’s energy sector,
providing a platform to recognise exceptional African candidates and entrepreneurs.

Selected students from top African universities are sponsored to attend the Africa Energy Forum to witness first-hand
the wider impact of the power sector on global economies. Top class students from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Senegal
and South Africa will attend the 21st Africa Energy Forum (aef) in Lisbon. These countries have been chosen for their
wealth of resources, expertise and movement in the sector over the last 18 months.

This year we’ll be hosting our very own ESEI University Challenge! Join us in the Innovation Theatre on the final day
of the conference as 5 countries go head to head in a quick-fire quiz.

2019 The EnergyNet 27

EnergyNet Africa RESPONSIBLE CONFERENCING
RESPONSIBLE
CONFERENCING:
Africa Energy Forum to host football tournament with
Manchester United legends to support victims of Cyclone Idai
O
Cyclone Idai was one ne month on and the impact
of the cyclone is raising
of the worst storms on fears that a massive cholera
record to ever hit the epidemic could break out, with more
than 4,000 registered cases and 7
African continent. The fatalities already.
storm was the deadliest
The Africa Energy Forum (aef) has
and costliest in the South-
teamed with KOHLER, principal partner
West Indian Ocean in of Manchester United, and Clarke
more than 100 years with Energy, a KOHLER company, to raise
£50,000 for victims of the Cyclone.
over 1,000 people killed. The ‘Africa Challenge Cup’ football
tournament will be a major networking
event taking place on 12th June at the
Os Belenenses, Estádio do Restelo in
Lisbon, Portugal.
EnergyNet is fully funding the hire of
the stadium and KOHLER and Clarke
Energy are funding all other cost-
related elements of the tournament
28
– so 100% of any money raised goes
to disaster relief for the victims of
Cyclone Idai.
EnergyNet has donated £20,000 to
disaster relief efforts in Zimbabwe through
the provision of 1,350 WakaWaka Solar
Lanterns and Power+ Solar Charging
Power Packs to support those shut off
from energy, who live in darkness once
the sun goes down.
Camille van Gestel, Founder of WakaWaka,
commented; “When recovering from
a disaster nothing is more frightening
than to have to spend your evenings in
utter darkness. Having light is a basic
necessity, enabling people to pick up their
lives also after sunset, to cook, work and
do homework. WakaWaka can literally
enlighten, perhaps even brighten the lives
of people.”
2019 The EnergyNet

Working with WakaWaka and the Miracle
Mission Trust, an organization which
facilitates sustainable transformation for
Zimbabwean communities, EnergyNet’s
donation alone will benefit over 5,000
individuals in frontline communities within
two weeks of the investment being made.
EnergyNet’s Managing Director Simon
Gosling commented, “In addition to
funds already to committed, we hope
to raise £50,000 annually through the
tournament for important causes such
as Cyclone Idai and we’ll work with our
partners in any way necessary to make
this possible. Conference companies must
play a responsible role in the markets they
serve, and we’re proud to lead the way. I
hope the sector will support this initiative
and make the ‘Africa Challenge Cup’ an
equivalent to Soccer Aid for the continent.”
Generous support from donors Baker
McKenzie and Clarke Energy, who will
each take a team in the tournament, has
now brought the total to £30,000.
Baker McKenzie commented, “Cyclone
Idai has had a massive impact on
thousands of people in Zimbabwe, Malawi
and Mozambique. We’re delighted to
support the Africa Challenge Cup at the
Africa Energy Forum in raising much
needed funds to bring power and light
back to those affected.”
CAN YOU HELP US REACH OUR £50,000 TARGET
TO SUPPORT THE VICTIMS OF CYCLONE IDAI?
To find out how you can support the victims of Cyclone Idai
by providing energy solutions to affected communities,
email Jennifer@energynet.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7384 7707.
More information about the Forum can be found at
www.africa-energy-forum.com
2019 The EnergyNet
RESPONSIBLE CONFERENCING EnergyNet Africa
ABOUT WAKAWAKA
WakaWaka’s are the world’s most efficient solar powered phone chargers
and flash lights. The company who makes them, also sells to western
consumers. For each product they sell, they commit to “Light Up A Life”, so
to provide at least one person with a safe, sustainable source of light. Over
the past few years, the company
has impacted the lives of well over
1.5 million people already and has
done a lot of disaster relief work
with organizations such as the
International Red Cross, Save the
Children, Habitat for Humanity,
IOM, The International Rescue
Committee, Amref Flying Doctors
and many others.
Attending the tournament is free of charge, Prigent, Vice President of marketing
however additional funds can be raised for Kohler Power Systems. “This will be
through corporate sponsorship of a team. an enjoyable and beneficial way to begin
Manchester United’s Quinton Fortune the Africa Energy Forum as industry
and Wes Brown will actively manage the stakeholders from around the world
teams on the day and participate in a gather to celebrate our many shared
medal ceremony for the winners. Goals passions. Power, energy, infrastructure,
will be aggregated and in the event of a and of course – football.”
draw after 90 minutes, a penalty shoot-out
will take place. Delegates attending the conference
are invited to watch the matches and
“As Principal Partner of Manchester participate in photo opportunities with
United, KOHLER is pleased to arrange the two Manchester United legends.
for these football legends – Quinton Some 1,000 delegates are expected to
Fortune and Wes Brown – to coach attend this important event alongside
the participating teams and interact all government delegations from across
with event attendees,” said Hervé the continent.
29
EnergyNet Africa AFRICA INSIGHTS CORNER

Developing projects in Africa –

LESSONS LEARNT
The following text is an excerpt from Episode 4 of the aef podcast series,
which gathers the good, the great and the most knowledgeable African energy
experts, all in one place. Here, Damon Thompson meets Daniel Metcalfe &
Laura Kiwelu from global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright.

Damon Thompson: Daniel, Laura, it’s
great to have a chance to connect before
the Forum. Dan, I know you’re relatively
new to the sector - I think your first aef
was in Mauritius. What have been your
key observations?
Daniel Metcalfe: I traditionally started
off as an infrastructure lawyer and did
that for many years. Although I’ve done
a lot of energy work in and around that,
I haven’t really had a particular focus
on power and energy until the last three
or so years.
For me, it’s been an interesting transition
and a combination that other institutions
have also made in terms of joining
infrastructure and energy. The two are
fairly indivisible when you think about it.
Lots of it has been a continuum, but in
terms of understanding the technologies
and things like that, it’s a bit of a
new learning.
Because I’m almost exclusively focused
on Africa, the one thing that is a constant
is the fact that there is just a continuing
need. Whilst technology is, of course,
crucial and vital for development, at the
end of the day, almost any technology
will do in that we just need to be in a
position where we’re bringing more
power and energy to the countries, to
the communities.
Damon: You’re a global firm. Are there
any lessons learned from your work in
places like Australia, for example, and
other countries that you’re perhaps able
to bring to your experience in Africa?
Laura: I think certainly in Australia the
interesting things are the more innovative
technologies like battery storage, the
fact that we’ve been really trail blazing
in Australia on projects. Certainly, we
want to see Africa as leap frogging onto
these technologies, not just sticking with
pure solar PV for a long time, but actually
bringing in battery power, battery storage
as well.
I’m in regular contact with colleagues
in Australia around the battery storage
projects that they’ve been working
on, considering lessons we can learn,
and how these can apply to projects
we’re working on in Africa that are
involving small but increasing amounts
of battery storage and the fact that
storage technology’s been mentioned
increasingly on projects.
Damon: I think there are obviously
some pitfalls when trying to develop
projects. They can sometimes get
stuck. What are some of the challenges,
and are they unique to Africa in terms
of getting a project from start to close?
Daniel: I don’t think they’re unique
to Africa… Africa hosts a number of
developing markets. That itself brings
challenges, regulatory challenges,
economic challenges, political
challenges. That’s actually the interesting
thing about doing projects in and around
and across Africa.
You have those different dynamics
involved, yet you have to be experienced
and have an understanding of how to
navigate those challenges. In terms
of how best to go about that, really
it’s about picking the right partners,
picking the right advisors, early
planning, understanding that it will
be difficult, it will be challenging, and
having realistic expectations.

30 2019 The EnergyNet

 AFRICA INSIGHTS CORNER EnergyNet Africa

Damon: Talking projects, you’ve
obviously helped to develop a whole
number. Is there one that you’re
particularly proud of, one that really
sticks in the memory as having really
strong impact with you?
Daniel: For me, it’s one that certainly
sticks in the memory because it was
particularly difficult and challenging,
but also it was quite a recent one,
which is the Bridge Power project in
Ghana, which we close the vendor
financing of just before Christmas. 202
megawatts, gas fired, combined cycle
in Tema in Ghana.
That was a really interesting one, with a
unique project structure.It also had quite
a unique financing structure, vendor
financing with some GuarantCo support…

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE

FULL PODCAST
The aef podcast series was developed to deliver valuable advice for anyone developing or investing
in projects on the African continent.
Hear exclusive insights from aef sponsors Globeleq, DLA Piper, Fieldstone Africa and Norton Rose
Fulbright on the experiences of delivering projects, navigating challenges and achieving bankability.

DEVELOPMENT LESSONS
LEARNT

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DEVELOPING BANKABLE
PROJECTS

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NAVIGATING TRENDS IN
AFRICAN ENERGY

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GETTING PROJECTS
MOVING

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2019 The EnergyNet 31

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