Aligning with MEA Energy Ministers on Energizing Societies

Yesterday I had the honor of participating in an insightful and distinguished panel session as part of the MEA Energy Week, which Siemens Energy held in partnership with the #DIHK, #Ghorfa, #GMIS and #Masdar. 

I took part in the session entitled ‘Energizing Societies to enable successful and sustainable growth’, a topic I have been passionate about throughout my career. Alongside me on the panel were His Excellencies Dona Jean-Claude Houssou, the Minister of Energy for Benin, Majid El Emara, the Minister of Electricity of Iraq, Goddy Jedy-Agba, the Minister of State for Power of Nigeria, Sharif Al-Olama, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure of the UAE, as well as Paddy Padmanathan, the CEO of Acwa Power.

In this session we wanted to examine what is required to create a reliable, affordable and decarbonized energy supply, as the only way to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for everyone.

The panel was preceded by an excellent keynote speech by my colleague Karim Amin, EVP for Generation at Siemens Energy, who spoke articulately on the major contribution we can make to a sustainable, reliable and affordable energy supply for the development of entire economies, highlighting how our Energy Roadmaps for Egypt, Iraq and Nigeria are great examples of this mutually beneficial partnership approach.

The session itself was brilliantly moderated by my colleague Onyeche Tifase, Siemens Energy’s Managing Director for Nigeria, and the Head of Strategy, Technology and Innovation for the Industrial Applications Division. 

It was a real pleasure to participate in this high-level panel, and inspiring to hear the passion of these government and industry leaders, not only for working to improve their countries, but the energy sector and the environment in it’s entireness.

The comments from Minister Houssou of Benin highlighted for me how vital it is for countries to create an energy roadmap, as Benin is doing. To modernize power sector infrastructure, to expand capacity, improve reliability, increase integration for renewable energy and facilitate the financing of these projects, these national plans, and the help of partners, are of utmost value. 

Minister El Emara’s comments, on the importance of our collaboration in Iraq, not just for the people, but for society as a whole, and for the government, as they strive to rationalize consumption and regulate the tariffs, resonated strongly with me. I am proud of the work we have done in Iraq, and excited for the potential of the country and the society.

His Excellency Goddy Jedy-Agba of Nigeria touched on the need to ensure that electricity supply is reliable and affordable, which is something I am proud that Siemens Energy is working hand in hand with Nigeria to accomplish. Furthermore, his comments on the potential for renewable energy help meet the nation’s energy needs in a sustainable manner as well as create jobs and improved livelihoods across the country, especially in rural areas, highlights the vital role renewables can play, not just in decarbonization, but in improving skills, providing jobs and boosting economic growth. 

Finally, comments by Acwa Power’s Paddy Padmanathan, on the important role governments play in facilitating the investment environment rang true, as does his desire for governments to be more ambitious and to recognize all that technology, innovation and entrepreneurship can offer.