Registration - Day One
ARIS 2023 Registration starts. Delegates collect their delegate badges at registration facilities at ARIS, book meetings on matchmaking, grab coffee and tour stands before programme officially commences.
South Africa's Electricity Minister's Keynote Address
Hear from the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Republic of South Africa, Hon. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
Panel: Demystifying the investability of African renewable energy assets
Hear from investors and institutions that are currently invested in the African renewable energy markets, with operating assets. Get on-the-ground insights from experienced investors who, despite the risk perceptions and challenges associated with investing in Africa, have invested in the market and are ripping great returns.
How Africa can become a global green hydrogen powerhouse
Africa can become a significant global energy player, leveraging its immense renewable energy potential to produce green hydrogen for its own consumption and exports to world markets. This session will explore the green hydrogen opportunity in Africa, as well as outline the investment, policy and regulatory framework required to harness this opportunity.
Tapping into Africa’s growing corporate (C&I) PPA market (Breakaway Session)
The demand for Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) in Africa is growing as many commercial and industrial businesses on the continent seek affordable alternative power supplies to power their operations. The growing demand is also providing opportunities for debt and equity financing by investment funds that are looking to bet on assets with great returns. The sector is also providing developers with lucrative project opportunities without the cumbersome complexities of government projects.
Catalysing wind investments in nascent African markets (Breakaway Session)
More governments in Africa are now exploring the potential of wind energy to address power supply challenges. Private sector led projects, in partnership with governments and utilities have been announced in nascent markets like Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Ghana etc. outside the traditional wind energy markets in Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and South Africa). This session will explore how such markets can develop policy frameworks, and market conditions to attract private sector investment.
The role of energy storage in C&I and utility scale renewable energy projects
As Africa’s transition to clean energy accelerates, the integration of energy storage technologies has become increasingly vital to optimize the reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of renewable power generation. During this session, industry experts and thought leaders will discuss the significant impact of energy storage systems (ESS) on C&I and utility-scale renewable energy projects. They will explore the diverse benefits that energy storage provides, such as enabling grid stability, managing intermittent renewable energy sources, and unlocking new revenue streams.
Unlocking private sector finance for mini-grid projects in Africa
Mini-grids have emerged as a promising solution to address the energy access challenges faced by remote and underserved communities in Africa. These decentralised power systems offer a cost-effective and scalable approach to electrification, enabling economic growth, and improving livelihoods. However, the successful implementation of mini-grid projects heavily relies on securing adequate financing. This session will gather industry experts, financial institutions, project developers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to explore strategies and innovative approaches to attract private sector investments for mini-grid initiatives in Africa.
Day 1 Close
Registration - Day Two
ARIS 2023 Registration starts. Delegates collect their delegate badges at registration facilities at ARIS, book meetings on matchmaking, grab coffee and tour stands before programme officially commences.
Accelerating the investment-readiness of Africa’s Green Hydrogen projects
Several green hydrogen projects have been announced in Africa, mainly in North Africa and Southern Africa. Some with promising potential, but none so far has reached financial close. This session will look at the investment-readiness of some of these projects, and how they can attract local and international investment rapidly.
Improving the financeability and attractiveness of C&I solar in Africa
Whilst commercial and industrial solar is poised for growth in Africa. Investments in C&I solar, particularly for private sector business off-take in Africa do carry certain risks, as much as returns. This session aims to highlight the how addressing the risks associated with C&I solar projects can improve their financeability and attractiveness to investors.
Independent Power Transmitters (IPTs) and private equity investors’ ability to address Africa’s transmission woes
Whilst private investment in Africa’s power generation sector has been growing, with independent power producers making more inroads, private participation in transmission remains minimal. The lack of adequate transmission infrastructure stifles investment in new renewable energy generation assets. Even in established markets like South Africa, the lack of grid capacity has slowed down renewable energy investment. This session will explore the potential private investment in transmission infrastructure can accelerate Africa’s energy transition. It will also look at international case studies on the impact Independent Power Transmitters made in markets like Brazil, India, Peru, and several countries in Latin America who have successfully utilized IPTs to address transmission challenges.
Establishing liquid electricity trading markets in Africa: Opportunities for independent traders
Establishment of interconnected regional or even continental electricity markets can attract massive private sector investment in Africa. Enabling participation of independent power producers (IPPs) in regional power pools, can help increase power trading volumes and cross-border power transactions. This session will delve into the concept of "liquid electricity trading markets" and its potential to unlock the economic and social benefits of a more integrated energy sector in Africa. The discussion will focus on the role of private traders in driving this transformation, leveraging their expertise, capital, and market insights to foster a dynamic and competitive energy marketplace.
The potential for Africa’s mining sector in driving renewable energy investments (Breakaway Session)
Africa's mining sector will play a key role in the energy transition, supplying key minerals like cobalt, lithium, uranium, and rare earth elements, crucial for the renewable energy industry. Furthermore, integrating renewables to power mining operations will help reduce miners’ environmental footprint, decrease their reliance on fossil fuels, and lower operational costs. This session will delve into the symbiotic relationship between the mining industry and renewable energy, highlighting how the former can play a pivotal role in driving the latter's growth and sustainability.
De-risking options for African renewable energy projects
Despite the continent's vast renewable energy potential, financing is often a major hurdle in implementation of renewable energy projects due to risk perceptions. The session will begin by examining the specific risks associated with renewable energy projects in Africa. These may include political, regulatory, financial, and technical risks, among others. Experts will outline how developers can de-risk their project to attract funding. The session will also highlight success stories and lessons learned from de-risked renewable energy projects in Africa. Panelists will showcase innovative financial mechanisms and instruments that can de-risk investments, such as green bonds, blended finance, and risk-sharing facilities.
Section 12B Unpacked: South Africa’s new Renewable Energy Tax Incentive
The South African government recently introduced renewable energy tax incentives for businesses and households under Section 12B. The government is hoping the incentives will stimulate investment in renewable energy by businesses and homes. The measures are expected to provide tax relief of R13 billion. During this session, experts in tax law, renewable energy, and policy will delve into the details of Section 12B, breaking down its provisions and shedding light on how it aims to stimulate the growth of renewable energy projects across the country. Experts will outline the intricacies of Section 12B, exploring its key provisions, eligibility criteria, and the various tax benefits it offers to businesses and investors engaged in renewable energy projects.
Enhancing the attractiveness of hydropower projects in Africa
Africa has the world’s largest untapped potential for hydropower, with the continent only utilizing 11% of its potential. This untapped potential presents huge opportunities for private investment by IPPs into smaller hydro projects, as well as public-private-partnership opportunities for large-scale projects. This session will explain how innovative financing can improve the attractiveness of hydropower projects in Africa. As well as private opportunities for development of small hydro projects.
