Meeting African power deficit with renewable energy
Africa is the fastest growing continent in the world. For economic growth to continue, a massive expansion of electricity supply is needed. Norway works to ensure that this supply is fuelled by clean energy. With industry specific know-how, Norwegian companies face favourable business environments when investing in the sustainable future of Africa.A report by the UNEP states that the power sector in Africa needs to install an estimated 7,000 megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity each year, in order to meet the continent’s rising energy demands.The power deficit creates huge investment opportunities for Norwegian companies – with know-how, experience and a good reputation in Africa.In 2011 Norway supported clean energy investments in African countries with 1.5 billion NOK, and has given 7 billion NOK for this purpose in total. Central in this work is the promotion of investments from the private sector.The objective of the renewable energy session at the Norwegian-African Business Summit 2012 is to present the renewable energy opportunities in Africa and discuss how these investments can be facilitated.Confirmed speakers include:
- Deputy Minister of Development, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Arvinn Gadgil
- Managing Director, KenGen, Eddy Njoroge
- Head of Department Renewable Energy, Norfund, Mark Davis
- Ambassador and Energy+ representative, MFA, Ole A. Lindeman
- Regional Director INTPOW, Line Amlund Hagen
- Senior lawyer, Wikborg Rein, Alex Blomfield
- Project Manager International Center for Hydropower, Carole Rosenlund,
- Mr. Karabo Maelane, Investment Promotion Manager, WESGRO, South Africa