GE Vernova Showcases Solutions for Africa's Energy Transition at Enlit Africa 2024

A recent report highlights that approximately 600 million people, or 50% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population, lack access to electricity, with power demand projected to grow by 3% in 2024.

As Africa continues its unique energy transition journey, GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) is playing a pivotal role by participating in Enlit Africa, urging power sector stakeholders to collaboratively develop and support solutions addressing the energy trilemma of reliability, affordability, and sustainability. A recent report highlights that approximately 600 million people, or 50% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population, lack access to electricity, with power demand projected to grow by 3% in 2024. This underscores the need to balance energy transition aspirations with electricity availability.

At GE Vernova’s exhibition stand at Enlit Africa – booth C22 in Hall 3 at Cape Town International Convention Center – visitors will have the opportunity to explore, interact with, and immerse themselves in innovations spanning the power generation, transmission, and distribution sectors from May 21-23, 2024. The exhibit is divided into three sections showcasing technologies that electrify the world, advanced solutions for decarbonizing the energy sector, and breakthrough innovations accelerating the journey to net zero.

Kenneth Oyakhire, MD & CEO of Services in Sub-Saharan Africa for Gas Power at GE Vernova and a keynote speaker at Enlit Africa, emphasized the importance of reliable and affordable power in driving growth and progress. “Energy enables growth and progress – which is why investing in reliable and affordable power is as critical as advancing lower carbon power to support health, connectivity, safety, security, and improved quality of life,” said Oyakhire. He advocates for the strategic deployment of renewables and gas power to accelerate Africa’s energy transition, enabling significant emission reductions quickly and at scale, while advancing technologies for low or near-zero carbon power generation.

Oyakhire also noted that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the continent. A mix of technologies and fuel sources, along with investments in transmission and distribution systems and software solutions, is necessary. He called for collaboration among public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, with governments leading efforts to create transparent market mechanisms, incentivize reductions in carbon intensity, and encourage research on new technologies and business models.

Highlighting GE Vernova’s commitment to supporting Africa’s energy transition, Oyakhire mentioned the recent synchronization of the first 60 megawatts (MW) Francis hydro turbine at a 420 MW power plant in Cameroon. This project, which is expected to meet up to 30% of Cameroon’s electricity demand, marks a significant milestone in the country’s energy transition plan. GE Vernova’s Hydro Power team played a key role in this project, managing the design, manufacturing, erection supervision, and commissioning of the turbines and generators, as well as the control system and mechanical balance of the plant.

GE Vernova, which spun off from GE and began trading as an independent company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on April 2, 2024, brings a rich legacy and extensive technology base to its role in the global energy transition. With approximately 55,000 wind turbines and 7,000 gas turbines, GE Vernova’s technology helps generate about 30% of the world's electricity. The company has over 100 years of presence in Africa, working across the electricity value chain from generation through various power sources, including wind, hydro, gas, and nuclear, to providing transmission, distribution, and software solutions.

GE Vernova’s participation in Enlit Africa 2024 reflects its ongoing commitment to driving Africa’s energy transition and supporting the continent's efforts to achieve a sustainable and reliable energy future.