“Project developers, funders, support organisations and others are not interacting enough to reap the synergies possible in the clean power market in East Africa” says Wim Jonker Klunne, renewable energy expert and the conference chairman of the inaugural Clean Power East Africa conference that is taking place as part of EAPIC in Nairobi in August.
“I see a lot of developments in the clean power market in the area, but also a lot of isolated initiatives” explains Jonker Klunne, who is also the Programme Director at the Energy and Environment Partnership for Southern and East Africa. He adds: “I hope Clean Power East Africa can play a role in initiating such dialogue and by that contribute to the developments in the sector.”
New track to enable delegates to learn It is the first time that the annual East African Power Industry Convention (EAPIC) has a dedicated track focusing on the abundance of natural resources in the region that make it attractive to renewable energy generation. The new track will enable delegates to learn more about the potential, technologies and processes for clean power.
The 17th edition of EAPIC is taking place at the KICC from 27-28 August.
Keep the momentum going “I was honoured to be asked to be the chairperson of Clean Power East Africa” says Jonker Klunne. “My main message will be very clear: let us share our experiences to the benefit of all of us! I am very excited about current developments in the field. For a long time we have not seen such an interest in renewable energy, in rural electrification and in isolated mini grids. I really hope we can keep the momentum going and that we can provide energy to those that desperately need it.”
The Clean Power East Africa programme highlights include:
- The Big Debate: Is Renewable Energy the Solution to Universal Access to Affordable Energy?
- Developing a sustainable geothermal programme
- How are the IPPs contributing to East Africa’s power gap?
- Making changes: Can this be the year of the wind farms and solar power?
Some speaker highlights:
- Meseret Teklemariam Zemedkun, Program Manager, ARGeo, Regional Office for Africa (ROA), United Nations Environment Programme, Kenya
- Boniface Njombe, General Manager, Tanzania Geothermal Development Company, Tanzania
- Isaac Kiva, Director, Renewable Energy, Ministry for Energy and Petroleum, Kenya
- Charles Muchunku, Chairman, Kenya Renewable Energy Association, Kenya
EAPIC and Clean Power East Africa dates and location:
- Exhibition & Conference: 27-28 August 2015
- Industry awards: 28 August 2015 – Intercontinental Nairobi Hotel
- Pre-conference master classes: 26 August 2015
- Site visits: 25 August 2015 Location: KICC, Nairobi
Website: www.eapicforum.com
