2024 Conference Agenda Sessions

PANEL DISCUSSION

Gas-to-Power: Unlocking Africa’s Potential  
Africa‘s proven reserves of natural gas offer a tremendous opportunity to generate baseload electricity that can be reliable, affordable and cleaner than other alternatives such as coal, diesel or heavy fuel oil. However, gas-to-power remains a North African story with significant undeveloped potential in sub-Saharan Africa. What are the risks associated with gas-to-power projects in Africa and how can stakeholders work together to unlock the potential of the sector to support Africa‘s energy transformation? This session explores the dynamics of gas-to-power in Africa from a both a switching and greenfield investment opportunity.   

Key areas of discussion:  

• The role of gas in Africa's energy mix: what is the potential of gas for baseload power generation and grid stability?  

• Infrastructure development for gas-to-power projects: what strategies can we adopt to build pipelines and power plants across Africa?  

• Financing gas projects in a carbon-constrained world: how can we addressing the challenges of attracting investment for gas projects in a climate-conscious era?  

• Leveraging gas for renewable energy integration: Exploring how gas can support the integration of intermittent energies. 

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PANEL DISCUSSION: The Role of Gas in Southern Africa’s Energy Mix

Southern Africa's energy transition hinges on finding the right balance between energy security and clean energy goals (and availability for financing gas ambitions). This session will explore the role of natural gas and highlight generation plans. Panellists will discuss recent plans, the expertise needed to meet upcoming gas-to-power projects. They will also weigh-in on what infrastructure is required to accelerate gas-powered generation.  We'll also analyse the economic impact of gas to power across industries. A key part of this discussion will highlight innovation in finance with a special mention on the role of mezzanine finance and how can we accelerate access to capital that will allow positive market movements.  

• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of using gas as a fuel source? 

• What are the opportunities and challenges for regional cooperation on gas development and utilisation 

• How will gas fit into Southern Africa's energy transition and efforts to restore energy security? 

• Which gas-to-power project bid windows are open and are there any more gas-to-power projects in the works?  

• How can gas help Southern Africa achieve its decarbonization goals?  

• How can we ensure that gas development aligns with Africa's climate goals and sustainable development objectives?

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AOW 2023 Programme Sessions

PANEL DISCUSSION: Sustainable Cross Border Value Creation

Cross border gas transmission pipelines provide a vital service in linking sources of supply and consumers both within Africa and from Africa to Europe. These pipelines provide opportunities for producers, increase security of supply for consumers, and offer investment opportunities for an investors seeking a particular asset class.

In this session we consider the experience of stakeholders in existing cross border gas pipelines, ROMPCO (Mozambique – South Africa) and GME (Morocco- Spain) and explore the potential for new international pipelines.

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