Portugal and Africa: the growth of renewable energies
The Africa Energy Forum is a conference for decision makers in the energy sector in Africa to partner with and foster industry development. Currently in its 21st year of existence, the Forum is a valuable networking platform for those wishing to develop projects or invest in the energy sector of this continent. This year, Lisbon will host the event, a change that Simon Gosling, general director of the forum, sees with particular optimism: “The change of the forum to Lisbon was warmly received by the Portuguese government, which continues to put partnerships, knowledge and economic opportunities in the hands of all who receive it. This is especially true in Lusophone countries, which have seen a large investment in their natural resources and energy sectors. “
With almost 3,000 investors and stakeholders interested in participating in the 21st edition of the event, we spoke with the leading energy company in Portugal, EDP, about the country’s focus on clean energy and synergies with Africa, a topic to be explored in the forum. According to the executive director of the company, João Marques da Cruz: “The focus on cleaner energy presents the challenge of developing a decentralized generation and surrounded by a network built on the basis of large traditional power stations. This will require large investments not only in hardware and equipment but also in intelligence … This transition is the biggest challenge facing Portugal. “This is where the consonance with Africa and its own project with clean energies and decentralized solutions becomes important : a new wave of decentralized clean energy. In Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde, in particular, EDP joins international partners to reflect internal development with international opportunity. João Marques da Cruz believes this is “the first step towards a different path from traditional power generation, promoting local off-grid solutions, that is, sustainable local network solutions.” “When we think of out-of-network solutions, it is important to accommodate local generation with improved network management and available competencies. This type of ‘island’, in terms of energy management, is something we believe is one of the main drivers for Africa and other places where a more robust network is lacking. ” João Marques da Cruz believes this is “the first step towards a different path from traditional power generation, promoting local off-grid solutions, that is, sustainable local network solutions.” “When we think of out-of-network solutions, it is important to accommodate local generation with improved network management and available competencies. This type of ‘island’, in terms of energy management, is something we believe is one of the main drivers for Africa and other places where a more robust network is lacking. ” João Marques da Cruz believes this is “the first step towards a different path from traditional power generation, promoting local off-grid solutions, that is, sustainable local network solutions.” “When we think of out-of-network solutions, it is important to accommodate local generation with improved network management and available competencies. This type of ‘island’, in terms of energy management, is something we believe is one of the main drivers for Africa and other places where a more robust network is lacking. ” it is important to accommodate local generation with improved network management and available skills. This type of ‘island’, in terms of energy management, is something we believe is one of the main drivers for Africa and other places where a more robust network is lacking. ” it is important to accommodate local generation with improved network management and available skills. This type of ‘island’, in terms of energy management, is something we believe is one of the main drivers for Africa and other places where a more robust network is lacking. “
Even more important is the idea of implementing the two types of energy generation together. João Marques da Cruz explains: “In Portugal there is a two-step approach, so that it is possible first to approach large wind farms. Then look at the decentralized generation. One thing we learn from projects in Africa is that we can do these two things together, without phases. My suggestion for both … is to look at solar and decentralized solutions simultaneously. There is no reason to look at clean, decentralized energy as opposed to large wind farms or centralized renewable energy projects already underway. “
The time for Africa is “Now”
Affirming Portugal’s historical ties with Africa may be something that is brought to the present day through networks, sharing of knowledge and, hopefully, tangible investments. A “starting point” for present participants to create momentum for greater energy investment in African countries. While Africa is trying to respond to the central challenges, Portugal is trying to reinvent its renewable energies, but the common bond between them is what kind of projects can be implemented, which need to be implemented quickly: “I hope that the central figures understand that now is the time for Africa. EDP certainly understands and is ready. “A point shared by the sponsor of the forum, Efacec, a Portuguese company that promotes industrial and energy development. “From our point of view, the relationship between Portugal and Africa is very positive. Portugal has an unquestionable role in the development of energy infrastructures in African countries namely Cape Verde, Angola and Mozambique. OAfrica Energy Forum – AEF – will be an unmissable opportunity to discuss the future and evolution of the energy sector in Africa, “concludes the CEO, Ângelo Ramalho.