The SolarPower Summit 2024 brought together a stellar lineup of speakers to explore Europe’s next energy frontier. GET.invest is a European programme that mobilises investments in renewable energy in developing countries, supported by the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria.
We kicked-off our sessions supported by GET.invest, with a discussion on ‘Renewable Hydrogen in Africa - opportunities for investment and cooperation with the EU.’ This session explored the tools and funding available to support the development of renewable hydrogen at scale in Sub-Saharan Africa. It was moderated by Anna Gumbau, Journalist & Events Moderator; and also included Arnaud Demoor, from the European Commission; Gilles Bouder from HDF Energy, one of the GET.invest supported companies; Pau Ruiz Guix, Hydrogen Europe; Daria Nochevnik, Hydrogen Council; Alina Orrico, EDFI (European Development Finance Institutions); and Ece Oyan, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).
Giles highlighted how cooperation with the EU through GET.invest has been a key to sitting down with investors, and how being considered a Global Gateway project gave HDF Energy the credibility to start discussions with important stakeholders like the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Following this, we held our session on ‘Manufacturing and Critical Raw Materials - opportunities for supply chain integration between the EU and Africa.’ This discussion focused on how the European Commission can cooperate with Sub-Saharan African countries on critical raw materials and manufacturing through win-win partnerships. It was moderated by Alexia Ruvoletto, Head of Secretariat, Solar Stewardship Initiative; and featured Ademola Ogunbanjo, Oando Clean Energy; Guido Agostinelli, International Finance Cooperation; Peter Fath, RCT Solutions and also European Technology and Innovation Platform Photovoltaics (ETIP PV) Steering Committee Member; Ralf Leutz, leopil; and Dr. Rethabile Melamu, CEO of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA).
During his presentation, Peter Fath highlighted how; “Renewables will be crucial in Africa, the EU can work together with the continent…we will soon see GW solar factories all across Africa.”
Mr Fath also outlined the political stakes for the EU in relation to value chain diversification, energy security, and market competitiveness; and for Africa in relation to guaranteeing a just energy transition, value creation and retention on the continent, and jobs and skills capacity building. Ultimately, his message was that “solar manufacturing has to happen in Africa,” ending on an optimistic note.
During the afternoon, GET.invest supported our session on ‘Emerging solar markets - tracking changes and spotting opportunities for investments in Africa.’ Panelists examined the trends and opportunities that exist in Africa for larger ticket investments in the C&I and utility-scale space. It was moderated by Thomas C. Sauer, TEXXECURE Rating Foundation; and included contributions from Christoph Both, Senior Advisor, GET.invest; Jenny Chase, BloombergNEF; Dr Melamu; and Inès van Oldeneel, Alliance for Rural Electrification.
During his presentation, Christoph showcased several solar projects that received advisory support from GET.invest, and which were implemented successfully, illustrating the path for solar growth in Africa.
In our last session of the day supported by GET.invest, we looked at ‘Mission COP29: Making 11 TW a reality.’ The session looked at how European funds under the Global Gateway can be leveraged to achieve the tripling of global renewable capacity. It was moderated by Anna Gumbau Martínez, and featured Benjamin Wong, LONGi Solar; Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance; Michael Franz, Team Leader, GET.invest; Michael Taylor, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council (GSC); and Stefano Signore, Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) at the European Commission.
Sonia stated how; "We want public and private funding to finance the tripling of global renewable energy, and reach the 11 TW target. If COP29 prioritises financing, then COP30 should address grid infrastructure, while COP31 focuses on planning and permitting processes."
Bruce Douglas emphasised how; "With COP28 a lot of people felt that renewables arrived. The deal sends a powerful market signal to transition away from fossil fuels... positioning renewables as the solution."
A big thank you to GET.invest for supporting our sessions as we explored the new frontiers in solar!
GET.invest is a European programme which mobilises investments in renewable energy. The programme targets private sector business and project developers, financiers and regulators to build sustainable energy markets in partner countries. Services include market information, a funding database, matchmaking events and access-to-finance advisory. Since 2022, GET.invest powers the Team Europe One Stop Shop for Green Energy Investments, an access point for information about and facilitated access to European support and financing instruments for energy projects and companies in Africa. The programme is supported by the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria, and works closely with initiatives and business associations in the energy sector.
Learn more on the GET.invest website: www.get-invest.eu/
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