The African Energy Indaba will focus on finding solutions for the peoples of Africa. The AEI the only energy event in Africa endorsed, adopted and supported by the World Energy Council (WEC) and recognised as their official African event

Africa is a continent of contrasts. It is the fastest urbanising continent in the world, and must provide energy to meet the annual urban growth rate, which is twice as high as Asia and Latin America, while, as home to the poorest of the poor, it must innovate energy solutions for 50% of the worlds impoverished. The 5th annual Africa Energy Indaba, the leading energy event in Africa, will be the forum and business networking opportunity for decision-makers and leading role-players planning and developing Africa's energy future.

The Africa Energy Indaba will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 19-21 February and brings together more than 300 senior level energy sector experts and decision–makers. Adopted by the World Energy Council (WEC) as the African regional event of the WEC, the 3-day conference and exhibition event receives global recognition as the foremost event for energy professionals from across the globe. Over 100 leading energy suppliers will also be present at the annual conference showcasing their latest technologies, equipment and services.

The conference continues to grow and has become the foremost forum for debating and exchanging solutions to Africa's energy challenges and focuses on: African power suppliers; alternative and renewable energies; oil and gas; the legal and regulatory framework, and investment opportunities in African energy projects, to name a few. The exhibition has become a significant marketplace for African and international stakeholders doing business in Africa's energy sector. The side events on the 21st February 2013 comprise the: Nuclear Forum / Africa Energy Projects Roundtable / Transport in Energy panel discussion.

There are three distinct components regarding energy security in Africa. They form the backbone of socio-economic stability which includes price, supply and sustainability. Certain countries dependant on hydrocarbon potential, for example, will approach their energy security differently to those countries that depend on oil for energy security. The type of economy a country has will also influence its approach to energy security.

South Africa is a primary resource environment dependant on coal for energy, and as climate change is of global concern, South Africa along with the rest of Africa and the world, is coming under increasing pressure to reduce emissions. As Africa develops and people emerge out of poverty, so the demand for energy will increase and this will impact on the demand for a reduction in emissions. Although Africa is endowed with rich energy resources, it is becoming imperative to find solutions that provide power for economic growth and development but at the same time address environmental challenges.

The Africa Energy Indaba has become the perfect international business forum to address these issues and to liaise with experts that have a global understanding of the carbon challenges that have manifested worldwide. This sharing of expertise and mutually shared objectives towards “making a difference”, remains the hallmark of this successful conference, now in its sixth year.

Industry in South Africa is challenged by volatility of price and availability of electricity. In a developing country like South Africa where it is necessary to create employment and address considerable educational issues, creating new businesses remains the cornerstone towards a healthy, vibrant and sustainable economy.

Long term planning, an effective regulatory environment coupled with investment will ultimately enable the South African energy sector to meet its ever growing demand.

Energy security must be seen as the starting point in attempting to solve these issues. The need for power for economic growth and development includes addressing another pertinent aspect of energy security which highlights the trend in Africa for energy deficient countries to approach their neighbours for electricity supply.  This type of co-operation, will ensure a healthy energy industry for economic growth and development for South Africa and its neighbours.

In this instance, the Indaba remains the perfect business forum providing networking opportunities for decision-makers and leading role-players in government and business, who are committed to securing Africa's energy future.

“Africa needs to grow and with a current average growth rate in excess of 4% for the continent, the demand for power will increase and we as Africans, need to find solutions to our current power challenges as well as explore new sources of power supply.” says Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba.

“This in itself provides for investment into the continent with energy technologies, creates jobs and helps Africans to empower themselves.  Our business forum will showcase some of the latest trends and innovations in the energy sector and provide in depth knowledge to understand how we can move forward and grow our economies.”

The AEI also seeks to provide a platform to understand the research needed to transform the primary energy related industries of oil, gas and coal so that these abundant resources can continue to be exploited responsibly. Greater consciousness towards energy will provide for a better understanding of primary energy resources, the necessary shift  towards 'green' and the addressing of sustainability issues in the context of developing countries, through discussion, sharing of ideas and networking.

Africa continues to provide opportunity and attract project investors from around the world. The International Monetary Fund forecasts Sub-Saharan African growth at 4,8% which compares favourably with the world average of 3,3%.

The number of projects on the continent has quadrupled from that of 10 years ago and the quality of projects has improved substantially.

Paul Runge, Managing Director of specialised consulting firm Africa Project Access, will be heading a round table discussion on the last day of the Indaba, opening up the floor for discussion on major energy greenfields and brownfields projects on the continent.

According to Runge, “the discussion will have a business focus and will also be very practical. We will look at projects from the ground up and talk about where things are headed. We will talk about key role players in the African energy sector including utilities, development finance institutions and technical assistance agencies that are able to help African companies and projects throughout the Sub-Saharan region.”

Joining Runge in the roundtable discussion will be role players in some of these projects such as the dynamic power initiatives in Mozambique and Ethiopia’s hydro-power programme – currently the biggest hydropower project in Africa. The roundtable discussion will bring together Africa’s energy operators, financers and other important role players in the project food chain.

“It will be a great opportunity to learn of new and exciting projects and opportunities as well as network”, says Runge. Templates of specific projects will also be made available to those attending.

For more information on the Africa Energy Indaba visit www.energyindaba.co.za