The Africa Renewable Energy Forum (ARF) is going to take place from 29 November 2017 to 1 December 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Casablanca, with focus on driving the development of renewable energy projects across the continent
Organised by EnergyNet, ARF is expected to address the opportunity for Africa on the global renewable energy development stage and discuss climate resilience strategies for sustainable energy development to meet the climate change requirements in the context of COP22.
Government ministers, heads of African utilities and some of the biggest global investors in renewable energy are enlisted to discuss solutions to move forward renewable energy projects in the continent.
The ARF was first held in Marrakesh from 2-4 November 2016, under the aegis of the Ministry of Energy of Morocco and endorsed by ONEE, attracting more than 350 international participants.
The 2017 Forum in Morocco aims to build its foundation as the pan-African meeting for stakeholders driving forward renewable energy projects in Africa.
“This year we will explore practical solutions on clean project financing, climate-smart solutions and innovative community-owned projects,” said EnergyNet.
The organisers has further stated that the ARF will also host a ‘Gas Options – North and West Africa meeting,’ an international gas-to-power focused gathering which will focus on gas projects in North and West Africa.
This meeting will invite all 12 countries involved in the Morocco–Nigeria Gas Pipeline project to discuss next steps and the benefits of the project in developing the region.
“Investors and energy decision-makers will be invited to participate in discussions with the public sector on how they can contribute to the project,” said the organiser.
Speaking to the press, Valeria Aruffo, regional manager of EnergyNet, commented, “The forums will hone in on investment opportunities in the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, as well as bringing together key stakeholders to drive forward renewable energy projects on the continent in light of the COP22 outcomes last year.”