Thabang Audat

Chief Director: Planning Department of Mineral Resources & Energy (DMRE)

Thabang Audat is currently the Chief Director of Planning within the national Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. He is responsible for the development of energy policy within the electricity, gas and liquid fuel sectors. He presents a portfolio of successfully completed projects within the industry, in the senior leadership positions he has held. Primary operational contribution has been in (i) drafting and implementation of procurement policies and documents related to the introduction of Independent Power Producers within the South African Electricity Supply Industry, (ii) the development and review of South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (Electricity Master Plan), (iii) the development of Gas Master Plan, (iv) representing South Africa at international forums negotiating global Just Energy Transitions, Qualifications LLB Degree (Bachelor in Law) and a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering Degree, amongst other qualifications.


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. 

Tuesday 08 October 16:45 - 17:30 Plenary Stage

Gas Forum

Add to calendar 10/08/2024 16:45 10/08/2024 17:30 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. 

Plenary Stage Africa/Johannesburg