ENGIE, the world’s top independent power producer with a five-decade-long presence in Africa, is one of the lead sponsors for the upcoming Africa Energy Forum (AEF). This prestigious event, set to take place in Barcelona from 25 – 28 June 2024, will explore ‘Energy Systems of the Future – Balancing Africa's Needs with Global Goals.’

This year’s forum will feature over 300 speakers and attract more than 2,000 energy sector stakeholders from around the globe. The event includes four days of interactive discussions on project developments, technological innovations, cross-sector opportunities, and collaborations. Attendees can also explore a large exhibition with over 150 companies showcasing cutting-edge solutions for reliable energy outcomes in Africa.

For the first time in its 26-year history, AEF will host industry debates that discuss critical sector issues, conduct breakfast briefings and think tanks, engage in closed-door roundtables for private sector leaders and feature a tech innovation theatre that highlights the latest sector technology innovations.

As a lead sponsor, ENGIE will be sending a full leadership team from South Africa, North Africa, the AMEA Regional Hub, and ENGIE Energy Access to attend this prestigious event. A key highlight from ENGIE will to showcase the integrated energy business solutions active on the African Continent which are integral to the energy mix, from renewable energy (solar and wind), battery energy storage, flexible generation and off-grid solar solutions. 

“In South Africa, for example, ENGIE has a large portfolio including solar, on-shore wind and flexible generation assets including a green hydrogen plant. Our Avon and Dedisa power plants manage fluctuating power demands and prevent the complete collapse of the grid during peak times. These flexible generation assets are integral to electricity stability when there is an unexpected surge in electricity demand, peaking plants provide supplemental power to the grid. Essentially, they are extensive and dependable reserves of energy.,” says Jonathan Debasc, Managing Director of Flexible Generation for Africa at ENGIE.

Debasc will be involved in a closed-door corporate leadership roundtable that will discuss, amongst other things, how can stakeholders increase the scale and pace of energy projects and investments, how can decarbonisation policies increase the participation of the private sector in energy-intensive industries, and whether the global climate goals are inhibiting Africa’s ability to invest in its future.

ENGIE will host a fireside chat on Wednesday, 26 June at 14:15 that looks at learnings from a global energy portfolio. Specifically, the chat will examine which technologies will best support Africa’s energy transition and how they will be deployed.

“At ENGIE, we  are committed to achieving  net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 and supporting our stakeholders to do the same. Events such as AEF 2024 are critical for key stakeholders around the globe to come together and discuss how to create a reliable, and more sustainable energy landscape that safeguards the continent for years to come. We are excited about the discussions and networking opportunities to come during the four days of the event.”