Energy industry players aim for positive change

The Renewable Energy Forum South Africa (“REFSA”) Conference was founded by Linda Olagunju as a means of setting a platform where industry stake holders could discuss issues affecting the industry with the key objective of making a positive change within the sector. It also addresses the impact of the industry on broader socio-economic issues such as transformation and local content.

With the third REIPPP bidding round around the corner REFSA will provide key presentations on the revised RFP from some of South Africa’s leading lawyers, including Kieran Whyte Director at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as well as Jackie Midlane, Director of Banking and Finance at Norton Rose both of whom acted for sponsors and lender during the first two rounds of bidding. The event will also provide key presentations from successful bidders on lessons learnt in previous rounds.

In addition, the event will attract key developers, banks, EPC contractors, technical advisors, and economic development consultants.

“One of the key objectives of why I started this event was to create awareness about the opportunities available for women within the sector, the Minister has emphasised the need for transformation and the broader vision is to explore those opportunities that exist. Further, we hope that the event will act as a catalyst for industry participation and co-operation especially where economic development objectives are concerned. Again, we have seen a number of developers using the community trust model and as the first round projects begin construction, it will be important to ensure that the relationship with communities is managed. So it is important that we learn from each other’s experiences,” said Olagunju.

One of the key factors that sets REFSA apart is that it is an industry run event organised by those that have been through the process and it is designed to be a high level stakeholder engagement.

The Renewable Energy Forum South Africa Conference will be held on 7 May 2013 at the Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr auditorium starting at 8.00am. To attend the event contact Moises Antunes on +27 21 700 4337 or email moises@dloenergy.com. This event is a unique opportunity to gain valuable brand exposure to key industry professionals. To become a sponsor contact Charlaine Van der byl, Business Development Manager on charlaine@dloenergy.com or call on 021 838 2499 or 074 608 1811.