AGENDA
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Day 1, Tuesday, June 18
(All agenda times in SAST)

8:00 am – 9:00 am 
Registration and Refreshments

9:00 am – 9:15 am 

Opening Remarks

  • Mohammed Essay, Senior Business Development Specialist & Country Representative, Southern Africa, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
  • Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II, Ph.D., United States Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa

9:15 am – 10:15 am 

Session 1: Policy and Regulatory Framework

The session will focus on South Africa's renewable energy policies and provide an overview of the nation's renewable energy strategies. The session will address regulatory challenges and opportunities within the sector, offering participants valuable insights. The session will conclude with Q&A will allow for deeper engagement and understanding of South Africa's evolving policy and regulatory framework for renewable energy. Overall, this session will provide a comprehensive exploration of collaborative partnerships, regulatory intricacies, and potential avenues for progress in South Africa's renewable energy landscape.

  • Moderator: Matt Schwab, Country Manager for Southern Africa, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
  • Dr. Dee Fischer, Specialist: Policy Support and Strategic Programme implementation, Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, South Africa
  • James Mackay, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Council of South Africa

10:15 am – 10:30 am 

Networking Break 

10:30 am – 11:30 am 

Session 2: South Africa’s Future for Transmission 

The session will be a discussion of South Africa's current and future vision for smart transmission. The Ministry of Electricity, Eskom, and Development Bank of Southern Africa, all key players in the nation's energy landscape, will discuss current initiatives, projects, and challenges. The session offers a forward-looking perspective on South Africa's strategies, emphasizing a commitment to smart transmission for efficiency and sustainability.

  • Moderator: Bryan Erwin, Founder and Managing Partner, BlueWave Merchant Partners
  • Shaakira Karolia, Lead Economist & Head of Special Initiatives, Ministry of Electricity
  • Mpho Mokwele, Group Executive: Transacting (Infrastructure Deal Execution), Development Bank of Southern Africa
  • Segomoco Scheppers, Managing Director for Eskom Transmission, Eskom

11:30 am  – 12:00 pm 

Session 3: U.S. Company Presentations

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from U.S. companies who will showcase their pioneering solutions in the field of smart transmission. U.S. companies will present their latest and most innovative technologies, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge developments and advancements in smart transmission. 

  • IBM Consulting, Hiren Bhoola, Associate Partner, SA Hybrid Cloud Leader, Lead Account Partner, IBM Consulting 
  • Microsoft, Nick Keene, Industry Director, Energy Manufacturing and Mining 

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 
Networking Lunch 
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm 
Session 4: Financing for Renewable Energy Transmission 

This session aims to improve awareness of essential government funding mechanisms for renewable energy transmission projects. It will also explore future trends in private financing, discussing potential avenues and strategies to attract private investment. Experts will share insights and solutions for overcoming challenges in public financing, providing a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape for successful project implementation.

  • Moderator: Sarah Whitten, Regional Manager for Finance and Implementation, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
  • Jacob Flewelling, Africa Investment Advisor, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
  • Mathapelo Malao, Head of Energy, Development Bank of Southern Africa
  • Richard Vaughan, Treasurer, Eskom 

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Session 4a: U.S. Company Presentations 

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from U.S. companies who will showcase their pioneering solutions in the field of smart transmission. U.S. companies will present their latest and most innovative technologies, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge developments and advancements in smart transmission. 

  • Smart Wires, Hedd Roberts, General Manager – EMEA & APAC
  • Tetra Tech, Paul Tuson, Energy Sector Director
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm 
Session 5: Transmission Technologies, Data Management, and Best Practices 

The session will feature a panel of speakers from U.S. companies, contributing invaluable perspectives and expertise to the discourse on emerging trends and best practices in the field. This session will explore the integration of smart technologies for grid optimization including: cybersecurity, cutting-edge technologies, and utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

  • Moderator: Joanne Dixon, Managing Director, Energy Markets Group
  • Biren Gandhi, Global Industry CoE Leader - Energy, Environment & Utilities, Executive Partner & Global Clean Energy Offering Leader, IBM Consulting 
  • Tumiso Malombo, Client Technology Lead for Energy and Manufacturing, Microsoft 
  • Vishwajeet Singh, Director, Industry Solutions, Uplight
  • Randall Wood, Senior Project Manager, Power Engineers
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm 
Session 5a: U.S. Company Presentations 
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from U.S. companies who will showcase their pioneering solutions in the field of smart transmission. U.S. companies will present their latest and most innovative technologies, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge developments and advancements in smart transmission. 

  • Jimmy Zapata, Business Development Manager, Kaddas Enterprises
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm 
Networking Break
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 
Session 6: Case Studies

The session presents insights from international case studies, offering a unique perspective on transmission companies' experiences. It explores challenges, strategies, and successful outcomes, contributing to a broader understanding of best practices. In addition to American case studies, the Brazilian case studies adds a dynamic dimension, providing insights into developing market potential and unique considerations in advancing transmission technologies. This illuminating session offers actionable takeaways and a comprehensive understanding of the global transmission systems landscape. 

  • Moderator: Megan Taylor, Partnerships Advisor, Power Africa
  • Kevin Thundiyil, Senior Business Developer, Engie
  • Bill Wang, Supervisor, Electric Transmission Planning, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

5:00 pm 
Closing Remarks

  • Matt Schwab, Country Manager for Southern Africa, U.S. Trade and Development Agency 
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 
Reception


Day 2, Wednesday, June 19

(All agenda times in SAST)

9:00 am – 9:05 am Opening Remarks 

  • Mohammed Essay, Senior Business Development Specialist & Country Representative, Southern Africa, U.S. Trade and Development Agency 

9:05 am – 10:00 am 

Session 1: Grid Integration and Transmission Challenges

The session will include a roundtable discussion to explore the challenges and innovative solutions associated with the integration of renewable energy into the grid. Emphasis will be on addressing transmission hurdles, with U.S. companies sharing perspectives on the latest advancements. This session provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of grid integration and transmission.

  • Moderator: Mlamli Mjambana, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service 
  • Eric Amoussaouga, Commercial Director, Power Transmission - Sub-Saharan Africa Grid Solutions, GE Vernova
  • Riaz Vajeth, South Africa Representative, CTC Global
  • Kevin Thundiyil, Senior Business Developer, Engie 

10:00 am – 10:15 am 
Networking Break 
10:15 am – 11:00 am 
Session 2:  Grid Resilience, Reliability, and Future Trends

This session will focus on strategies to enhance grid resilience for integrating renewable energy sources. It emphasizes the crucial role of grid resilience in renewable energy transmission, highlighting the importance of infrastructure reliability. Experts will interactively share insights and best practices, fostering collaboration on challenges and solutions. The discussion will explore emerging trends in renewable energy transmission and market-driven reliability strategies, ensuring a robust and resilient grid aligned with economic dynamics. Participants can gain a holistic view of grid resilience, reliability, and future trends in renewable energy transmission. 

  • Moderator: Bryan Erwin, Founder and Managing Partner, BlueWave Merchant Partners
  • Johannes Baake, Chief Financial Officer, Africa GreenCo
  • Jason MacDowell, Senior Director-Technology Strategy & Policy at GE Vernova’s Consulting Service, GE Vernova 
  • Paul Tuson, Energy Sector Director, Tetra Tech 
  • Randall Wood, Senior Project Manager, Power Engineers  

11:00 am – 11:30 am
Session 3: U.S. Company Presentations 

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from U.S. companies who will showcase their pioneering solutions in the field of smart transmission. U.S. companies will present their latest and most innovative technologies, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge developments and advancements in smart transmission. 

  • CTC Global, Riaz Vajeth, South Africa Representative
  • GE Power, Andrew Bachert, Principal, Power Economics, GE Energy Consulting
  • GE Vernova, Faïçal Erradi, Managing Director GE Consulting Services Middle East, Turkey & Africa (Virtual)
11:30 am
Closing Remarks
11:45 am - 1:15 pm
Matchmaking Sessions and Networking Break
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm 
Networking Lunch

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