Photo: POWER-GEN-Africa-and-DistribuTECH-Africa

POWER-GEN Africa and DistribuTECH Africa to look at ways of alleviating the continent’s power crisis

21 March 2015

by Richard Forster

The role of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in South Africa will be among the issues under discussion at the upcoming POWER-GEN Africa and DistribuTECH Africa Conference and expo to be held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from 15–17 July 2015.

South Africa’s IPPs have rolled up their sleeves and are standing by to work with all stakeholders on measures to help alleviate the current power crisis, according to Sisa Njikelana, the Chairperson of the South African Independent Power Producers’ Association (SAIPPA).

“I sense a lot of keenness among South Africa’s IPPs to bring their innovations to the table, and to work with Eskom, municipalities and other stakeholders in mitigating the power challenges,” said Njikelana. “The sense of urgency is driven by the deepening crisis and its impact on the economy. Nobody gloats on the impact load shedding is having on the economy, especially at a time when economic growth has been so low.”

Njikelana says SAIPPA is conscious of the fact that the government has publicly embraced co-generation, and is encouraged by NERSA’s (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) work to develop the Regulatory Framework on Small-Scale Renewable Embedded Generation and the Guidelines on the Electricity Reseller Tariffs. However, IPPs would like more opportunities to be availed faster.

“IPPs are quite agile and given their proven ability to start generating power in a relatively short time, co-generation initiatives could take 12–18 months to build,” added Njikelana. “However, there is a level of impatience among IPPs for the government to move a little faster in addressing constraints and creating an environment in which they can be engaged optimally. IPPs may be small in number but they could make a really meaningful contribution.”

Nigel Blackaby, Director of Global Power Conferences and Chair of the POWER-GEN Africa conference, agrees. “Power markets in other parts of the world have greatly benefited by the introduction of IPPs and the efficiencies and additional capacity they deliver but private developers will first need a suitable framework of policies and regulation.”

The 3rd POWER-GEN Africa and DistribuTECH Africa, organised by PennWell Corporation will provide comprehensive coverage of the power needs, resources and issues facing the electricity generation industries across sub-Saharan Africa. POWER-GEN Africa focusing on all aspects of the conventional and renewable power generation industry and DistribuTECH Africa focusing on transmission and distribution sectors within sub-Saharan Africa, the events will bring together the world’s leading power equipment suppliers along with companies developing power infrastructure in Africa.

For more information, go to www.powergenafrica.com and www.distributechafrica.com

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