South Africa - Department of Energy and International LNG Companies to discuss Next Steps for South Africa’s Gas-to-Power Programme this October

Following high levels of international interest over the introduction of a standardised procurement process, the meeting will examine the critical steps needed to move from the impending Project Information Memorandum (PIM) towards the Request for Qualification (RFQ), and the associated investment opportunities surrounding development of gas infrastructure.

The programme has attracted high levels of interest from the private sector over the past 12 months, buoyed further by the recent call for expressions of interest for the appointment of strategic partners to assist state-owned companies in the development of a 600MW gas-fired power plant.

Sean Friend, an Investment Director at Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), commented; “One of the key considerations in the gas-to-power programme in SA will be financing the additional infrastructure capacity required to create a broader gas market, which will have to be bankable on the basis of the power station revenues.”

Supported by the South African IPP Office and NERSA, the meeting will include an LNG to power master class, debates around infrastructure considerations and an update on the Role of the Gas Industrialisation Unit (GIU).  The meeting is open to proven professionals active in the development or financing of power projects in Africa.

Among the confirmed speakers to date include Thabane Zulu, Director General, Department of Energy, South Africa, Karen Breytenbach, Head of IPP Office, Department of Energy, South Africa, Lena Mangondo, Head of Legal, IPP Office, Department of Energy, South Africa; as well as Gonzalo Ramirez, Director, South America, Excelerate Energy, Ramzi Mroueh, Managing Director EMEA, Cheniere and  Sean Friend, Investment Director, Infrastructural, Developmental and Environmental Assets Managed Fund, Old Mutual Alternative Investments.

“The SA Gas options event provides a gathering point for developers, regulators, utilities, private investors and contractors, essentially bringing together all the stakeholders needed to deliver a successful gas-based IPP programme in South Africa,” commented Friend.