Africa Energy Indaba shines light on Eskom’s possible blackouts

Eskom's recent warnings of possible power outages as a result of routine maintenance activities in South Africa this summer has brought the country's power problems back into the fore -- further highlighting that alternative energy solutions are not only important but necessary to address the current pressure placed on power supply as a result of increased demand.

Shaun Nel, Programme Director of the EIUG and speaker at the Africa Energy Indaba says that “The nature of the crisis is a severe energy shortage. It is imperative that any additional generation capacity available in the country must be sought to address the crisis or the local economy will suffer as a result of forced reductions”

The annual Africa Energy Indaba (AEI)—scheduled to take place from February 21 to 23, 2012 at the Sandton Convention Centre will discuss possible energy alternatives that South Africa and the rest of the continent can take advantage of, while also bringing together stakeholders from the global energy industry, financial community as well as government.

Topics to be discussed at the Africa Energy Indaba relating to alternative energy include energy prospects for South Africa, global and regional perspectives, challenges of integrating developed and emerging markets and renewable technologies that are real options for Africa amongst other related topics.

Brian Statham, Chair of AEI commented: “The status of AEI has attracted a faculty of very experienced energy players from a diverse range of institutions. The format of selected plenary presentations and numerous panel discussions ensures the free exchange of ideas between these experts and allow the delegates plenty of opportunity to interact with the panels.”

In the developed world access to energy is still a luxury enjoyed by only a small number of the privileged. According to the International Energy Agency 1.4 billion people -- the majority of whom are in Africa's rural areas -- will still lack access to electricity in 2030 unless new approaches and policies are adopted.

The Africa Energy Indaba will provide great opportunities to debate policy as well as review technological trends globally, best practices while also identifying opportunities, networking and discovering best practices from other industries.

“Launched in 2009, AEI has grown in stature over the last three years,” said Statham. “The World Energy Council has now decided to adopt AEI as its premier event for the African Continent which confirms the global reputation of AEI as Africa's leading energy event. This event is a 'must attend' for those who are intent upon shaping Africa's energy future.”

With the central theme of the event, "Unleashing Africa's Energy Potential", the event programme aims to formulate actionable ideas and proposals that will benefit the continent's billion people.