The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference will feature a Just Energy Transition (JET) Summit, aiming to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, community representatives, and global investors to strategize actionable solutions for building a sustainable energy future in Africa.
Gas Market Potential:
The Summit will prioritize discussions on Africa's gas market potential as a transition fuel, covering topics ranging from financing small-scale LNG to establishing integrated LPG value chains. Notable developments in Mozambique and South Africa, including large-scale LNG projects and onshore LNG initiatives, will be highlighted, showcasing the continent's progress in gas development for enhanced energy security and industrialization.
Coal Industry Role:
Africa's coal industry will also play a significant role in the just transition, with countries like South Africa and Botswana exploring clean coal technologies and coal-to-liquids plants to maximize energy security while reducing emissions. The Summit will address strategies for decarbonizing existing coal power stations and ensuring a smooth transition to cleaner energy sources.
Green Hydrogen:
The burgeoning green hydrogen industry in Africa will be a focal point, with projects like Namibia's Tsau/Khaeb project leading the way in attracting global investments and driving renewable energy infrastructure development. The Summit will showcase investment opportunities in green hydrogen markets across Africa, emphasizing their role in advancing the continent's energy transition agenda.
Intersection of Social Justice and Economic Policies:
The Summit will also explore the intersection of social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic policies, emphasizing the importance of local workforce development and female empowerment in the energy transition. Policies and programs aimed at supporting local capacity building and female empowerment, such as Angola's Amity Training Center and Namibia's draft Local Content Policy, will be highlighted as critical components of a just transition.
In conclusion, the Just Energy Transition Summit at AEW will serve as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and develop strategies for a successful, inclusive, and just energy transition in Africa. By prioritizing gas development, exploring clean coal technologies, advancing green hydrogen initiatives, and promoting local workforce development, Africa is poised to lead the way in sustainable energy development while ensuring economic prosperity and social equity.