Growing optimism in African power market as Africa Energy Forum starts in Barcelona next week

BARCELONA, Spain - June 14, 2013 - PRLog -- Some 800 power professionals, including 11 African ministers, as well as heads of utilities, regulators and international energy companies, will attend the Africa Energy Forum from 18-20 June in Barcelona to address pressing issues concerning Africa’s power sector, including partnerships, finance, investment and renewable energy.

“As a pioneer in developing wind and solar energy plants, it is no surprise that some of the biggest developers of renewable energy projects in Africa are Spanish”, says Simon Gosling, MD of EnergyNet, organisers of the Africa Energy Forum.  “We are delighted that Spain's leading international firms including Iberdrola, Grupo Isolux Corsan, Abengoa, Gas Natural and Spanish exhibitors Casa Africa and Himoinsa are able to welcome the record number of participants travelling to this year's Forum, including 150 participants from South Africa and 40 from Kenya.”

The 15th edition of Africa Energy Forum has tripled in size since it was last held in Barcelona in 2005, testament according to Gosling of the “growing optimism in the African power market.  Indeed, the attraction of Barcelona combined with evidence that private power projects are finally proving viable, create the ideal environment for a stimulating, productive and enjoyable Forum.”

Aggreko Lifetime achievement award
During the event the outgoing CEO of KenGen, Edward Njoroge, will be presented with the Aggreko Lifetime Achievement Award.  KenGen is Kenya’s leading power generator.  Aggreko, a global industry leader in temporary power rentals, is the title sponsor of the Africa Energy Forum and has been active in Africa for more than 15 years, operating large scale power-projects in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Gabon, Uganda, Angola, Ivory Coast and Tanzania.

Says Simon Gosling:  “we know the value Aggreko has provided to KenGen over the years in delivering immediate and much needed power solutions.  From the moment we presented the idea for an award to Aggreko they were immediately behind it, and have been integral in making this recognition of such an incredible career possible.  Mr. Njoroge’s achievements are exceptional.”  

African ministers that will attend Africa Energy Forum include:
•  H.E. Dr. Ali Mihirig, Minister for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Libya
•  H.E. Salvador Namburete, Minister for Energy, Mozambique
•  H.E. Alemayehu Tegenu, Minister of Water & Energy, Ethiopia
•  H.E. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Energy & Petroleum, Ghana
•  H.E. Oluniyi Robbin-Coker, Minister of Energy & Water, Sierra Leone
•  H.E. Emma Francoise Isumbingabo, Minister of State in charge of Energy
and Water, Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda
•  H.E. Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Botswana
•  H.E Salif Kabore, Minister of Energy & Mines, Burkina Faso
•  H.E. Taleb Ould Abdival, Minister of Petroleum, Energy & Mines, Mauritania
•  H.E. Willem Isaacks, Deputy Minister of Mines & Energy, Namibia

Africa Energy Forum is organised by EnergyNet and is part of a global portfolio of investment meetings, conferences and infrastructure events focused specifically on the power and industrial sectors across Africa.  For more information visit www.energynet.co.uk

Event dates:
Pre-conference workshops: 18 June 2013
Conference & Exhibition: 18-20 June 2013

Location:  Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), Plaça de Willy Brandt, Barcelona, Spain

Website: www.africa-energy-forum.com

Media contact:
Communications Manager:  Annemarie Roodbol
Telephone:  +27 21 700 3558
mobile:  +27 82 562 7844
Email:  annemarie.roodbol@clarionevents.com