The Africa Energy Indaba, held from 4 to 6 March 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), is a significant event for the continent’s energy sector.
This year’s discussions are centered around exploring Africa’s journey towards energy security and sustainable development. The focus is on South Africa’s energy transition, considering realistic timelines and socioeconomic implications to achieve a sustainable balance.
The key question remains: How can South Africa pragmatically solve its energy security crisis while meeting sustainability requirements and supporting socioeconomic development and industrialization?
“Gas has the potential to be a key enabler of a just energy transition, meeting Africa’s immediate energy needs while driving long-term sustainability,” says Prashaen Reddy, a partner at Kearney. “Through collaboration and innovation, Africa can harness its energy potential to fuel economic growth and unlock a prosperous, sustainable future.”
Reddy, alongside his colleagues Igor Hulak and Frances Phillips, will share their expertise and insights on the African energy sector at the Indaba. Key discussions include:
- Panel Discussion on “Decentralised Grid Solutions” (Wednesday, 5 March 2025): Moderated by Igor Hulak, this session will focus on developing microgrids to improve access to energy for the African population, where a significant portion still lacks reliable electricity.
- Africa Gas Forum (Thursday, 6 March 2025): Led by Programme Director Igor Hulak, this forum will explore the role of natural gas in South Africa’s energy strategy, focusing on the country’s Gas Master Plan to capitalize on domestic, regional, and international gas resources. Prashaen Reddy will moderate this session.
- Panel Discussion on Gas-to-Power and South Africa’s Gas Master Plan (Thursday, 6 March 2025): This session will delve into the strategic importance of natural gas in South Africa’s energy landscape.
- Panel Discussion on Private and Public Sector Collaboration for a Gas Economy (Thursday, 6 March 2025): Frances Phillips will discuss the concerted efforts required from all players along the value chain to unlock the potential of gas in the economy. This includes securing sufficient supply, investing in adequate infrastructure, ensuring a guaranteed minimum offtake, and providing regulatory clarity. According to a recent white paper by Kearney, South Africa should create a balanced energy portfolio by utilizing its regional resources like coal and gas responsibly, while also increasing the use of cleaner energy sources. This approach ensures a gradual shift towards sustainability with practical and realistic timelines.
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