“My dream is to have Kenya leading the Green Revolution in East Africa as it pursues its Vision 2030 of a knowledge based economy fuelled by the ‘Big Four’!” – Prof Izael Pereira Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research and Innovation, Strathmore University, Kenya.
Prof Izael Pereira Da Silva will be one of the special delegates attending Future Energy East Africa Conference and Expo which takes place on the 17th – 18th September 2019 at the Kenya International Convention Centre in Nairobi.
If you are a prominent stakeholder in the East Africa Power Pool or just wish to break into this exciting market sector, then registering as a delegate attendee is a must. For more info on how to be a delegate contact: Gary Meyer : gary.meyer@spintelligent.com or simply link to register here.
Here is a exclusive interview with Prof Izael Pereira Da Silva. The Prof will be taken part in a panel discussion on:“Panel discussion: How can countries prepare for the challenge of integrating decentralised energy?”
1) Please tell us more about your position and the work that you do at Strathmore University in Kenya?
I am the current Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation at Strathmore University. I started and directed SERC, Strathmore Energy Research Centre until last year. My interest since coming to Kenya in 2010 has been to create a centre of excellence in renewable energy and energy efficiency. With the help of GIZ and USAID we can say this objective was achieved.
2) Any particular energy projects that you are involved in that you are particularly excited about?
The first project I engaged one at Strathmore was the establishment of the first Climate Innovation Center which was a project of the World Bank supported by DFID and DINADA to the tune of $5-million.
3) What is the current access to modern types of energy in Sub Saharan Africa?
Poor! Most people in rural areas have no access to reliable, affordable and sustainable types of energy. This cripples the economy of the East African countries make education and health challenges as well.
Pic: If your company is an operator in the energy sector in East Africa or would like to break into the market, then the Future Energy East Africa Conference and Expo is the pace to do it.
4) What in your view are the barriers to the growth of renewable energy in the East African region?
There are four barriers to the uptake of renewable energy in East Africa, namely poor finances, lack of capacity building, lack of awareness and poor commitment to renewables by the government in general.
5) What is the role of capacity building in the development of the renewable energy sector in East Africa?
Capacity building is an enabler! No industry can progress without skilled people who are passionate about their work. Until very recently we practically did not have any school or vocational training or university training people on renewable energy. This is a real roadblock for the development of the renewable energy sector.
6) You are part of a panel discussion at the Future Energy East Africa conference – what will be your message at the event?
My message is an optimistic one. I do believe in a future of 100% renewable energy for the African continent to be a reality in the next ten years.
7) What are you most looking forward to at Future Energy East Africa?
Good networking and an enormous opportunity to learn from experts.
8) Anything you would like to add?
My dream is to have Kenya leading the Green Revolution in East Africa as it pursues its Vision 2030 of a knowledge based economy fuelled by the ‘Big Four’!
Who else will be at Future Energy East Africa Conference and Expo ?
Future Energy East Africa is the largest and longest running regional power conference and exhibition in East Africa, making it a well-known and trusted brand. The event welcomes the industry’s highest profile professionals looking to conduct business in East Africa which include:
- Associations
- IPPs
- Developers
- EPCs
- Finance
- Government
- Consulting and Services
- Utilities
- Municipalities
For more info on how to be a delegate attendee contact Gary Meyer : gary.meyer@spintelligent.com or simply link to register here.
