Release
The ENERGY INDABA 2010 has proved to be a resounding success amongst conference delegates and exhibition visitors who were able to leave the event with a renewed vision of energy solutions for Africa and inspiration on how they can make a difference towards powering the continent.
“A diverse range of individuals – from business executives to government officials and individuals attempting to find ways to improve energy efficiency in communities – who attended this year’s conference and exhibition, reflect the ENERGY INDABA 2010 as the place where concrete discussions and decisions can be made for the future of energy on our continent,” says Liz Hart, managing director of Siyenza Management, organiser of the ENERGY INDABA. “I believe that many of our delegates were able to leave the conference with confidence in Africa’s self-sufficiency and ability to produce energy for business and households.”
“Of our host of exhibitors at the ENERGY INDABA 2010, the majority were from a range of Chinese companies in the energy sector,” says Hart. “With China proving to be a major energy trading partner, we believe the ENERGY INDABA has provided the platform for greater China- African business trade.” The Business Matchmaking Programme received 426 meeting requests with delegates, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers during the ENERGY INDABA. “Offered for the first time at the ENERGY INDABA, this saw a total sum of 250 meetings take place in the Business Matchmaking Lounge,” says Hart. “Although being our first year to host this, there have been a number of success stories that have emerged.”
Bringing an end to the final day of the two-day conference, Brian Statham, Chairman of the South African National Energy Association challenged delegates to apply the knowledge, ideas and new business contacts gained from the ENERGY INDABA to make a difference. He also requested that delegates prepare for the next ENERGY INDABA in 2011.
Some of the findings to emerge from the second-day of the conference were:
As Africa’s largest trading partner, the pace of investment by China in Africa has reached unprecedented levels – and is set to continue with basic resources and infrastructure deals in the power and gas industry. Yet despite interest across the African continent, South Africa remains the only country where no major transactions within the country have occurred.
Only one of the 20 registered Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects is in Africa. However, the Copenhagen Green Climate Fund, which is currently under discussion, could help to provide financial opportunities for African countries to develop CDM projects.
In order to catalyse renewable energy investment, there needs to be incentives to develop smaller generation systems. There should also be jurisdiction for import tariff reductions for renewable projects, tax breaks and other manufacturing incentives.
A framework for private-public partnerships in energy on the continent is required to access capital markets and to attract greater private sector investment
ENERGY INDABA 2010: A Time of Change
A Time for Innovation, Solutions and Alternatives was the event theme chosen by the Steering Programme Advisory Committee for ENERGY INDABA 2010. This flagship African energy event is an annual event on the Africa business calendar with a specific focus on exploring solutions for a new energy future for Africa. With the recent ever increasing world-wide attention to Energy, ENERGY INDABA provides an ideal platform to encourage debate as well as created the stage for a networking climate conducive for companies and individuals to interact. The event forms part of the African business calendar, which will promote sustainable development initiatives across the African continent.
WEBSITE: www.energyafricaexpo.com
ENQUIRIES: info@siyenza.za.com
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