Under the motto 'Renewable Energy in Angola: Frameworks and Challenges', the conference encouraged a discussion around current affairs in the energy sector in Angola, at a time when debate is open on topics so relevant to energy policy in Angola, such as Energy Development Plan and the development of the National Energy Framework.
"Renewable energies have become increasingly relevant in the global context, and in Angola it is no different. We are aware of the challenges we face with regard to sustainability and preservation of the environment, and that is why this conference assumes such significance", stated Ricardo Ferreira, Executive Administrator of the SBA, during the welcome to the event.
The official also highlighted the importance of "providing a 360º view of the sector, covering the dimension of financing and regulation", as well as "taking stock of the state of the art of renewable energy projects in Angola". "We must create the necessary synergies for the development of sustainable energy projects, working together for a more sustainable future", he highlighted.
In turn, Renata Valenti, partner at PLMJ Colab Angola - RVA Advogados, highlighted that "the increasingly central role of renewable energy and Angola's enormous opportunities in terms of energy transition must be at the center of the discussion". "The need to replace the burning of fossil fuels with clean and renewable energy is indisputable, and Angola has ambitious objectives in this area".
Defending the importance of "continuing to do what we can to leverage the energy transition in Angola", Renata Valenti highlighted that the country has "the will, capacity and a clear opportunity to become a relevant player in the production of renewable energy".
The opening of the meeting was attended by João Pataca Fernandes, Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Energy and Water, who gave a presentation on the theme 'Vision, Goals and Government Strategy for Renewable Energy and Rural Electrification'.
This was followed by the first panel discussion, on 'Large Projects vs Proximity Projects: Complementary or Alternative?', with the presence of Wesley Oliveira, Vice-President of SUN Africa, João Germano e Silva, Business Development Director of Ossi Yeto (Mitrelli Group), Vandré Spellmeier, Head of the German Angolan Hydrogen Office at H2-Diplo, and Victor Fontes, President of the Angolan Renewable Energy Association. The panel was moderated by João Marques Mendes, partner in the Projects and Energy area at PLMJ.
The second panel, under the theme 'Challenges in Project Financing', featured interventions by Praveshni Sewmohan, Manager, E&S Advisory, Sustainable FI at Standard Bank of Angola, Lello Francisco, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AIPEX, Tiago Almeida, Senior Investment Officer at the World Bank/IFC, and Odair Costa, Administrator at Bodiva. The panel was moderated by Gonçalo Reis Martins, partner in the Banking and Finance and Capital Markets areas at PLMJ.
