Future of Energy

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Thursday 29 February 2024

Program Day 1


08:00

Registration & Welcome Coffee

60 min.

Session Topics:

Session 1

Opening of the Conference

09:00

Opening Words

30 min.

Talitha Muusse

Conference host

Michael Jongeneel

FMO

Session Topics:

09:30

A Global View on the Forces Impacting the Future of Energy

presentation

30 min.

The world has seen some radical changes over the past few years, which have impacted energy systems and accelerated the renewable energy transition. How will geopolitical developments, lingering supply chain issues, and fluctuating prices of energy and materials shape the future of energy, especially in emerging markets and developing economies? And what will a potential further increase in interest rates mean for the appetite for investing in renewable energy development in developing countries?

Gerard Reid

Alexa Capital

Session Topics:
  • The impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical developments on financing and developing renewable energy projects
  • Assessing the status of renewable energy
  • How rising inflation and interest rates are affecting the energy transition in emerging markets
  • Unpacking the diminishing risk appetite for emerging markets, due to higher capital costs

10:00

Key Trends from Emerging Markets

panel

45 min.

Although there are many similarities between the renewable energy development trajectories in Africa, South East Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, these four regions each have their own characteristics, challenges and opportunities. In a reporter-style session, we will take a tour around the world with developers and investors active in these regions and bring you up to speed on the key global market trends.

moderator

Talitha Muusse

Conference host

Osaruyi Orobosa-Ogbeide

Africa Finance Corporation

Stefan Issler

responsAbility

Jon Bahen

JCM Power

Marnix Monsfort

FMO

Ann-Mari Lillejord

Scatec

Anne Gautier

Proparco

Bruce Johnson

Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company)

Petra Kotte

DEG (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft)

Session Topics:
  • State of markets around the globe
  • Opportunities and challenges in developing and financing renewable energy projects in emerging markets

10:45

Networking Break

Session Topics:

Session 2A

Pioneer & Develop - Green Hydrogen

11:30

Green Hydrogen: A Bubble or a Game Changer in Decarbonization?

panel

60 min.

How big a part will green hydrogen play in the future of energy? Believers and criticasters will discuss different aspects of the business model, such as its feasibility, sustainability and the offtake potential for green hydrogen. Get involved in an energetic debate regarding the true potential of green hydrogen and its realistic contribution to achieving the 2050 climate goals.

moderator

Angie Salom

FMO

Georges Beukering

Climate Fund Managers (CFM)

Andreas Cremer

DEG (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft)

Monica Swanson

Port of Rotterdam

Jürgen Peterseim

PwC

Session Topics:
  • Applications and impact: a role beyond fertilizer and industrial use?
  • Navigating the global hydrogen highway: challenges and opportunities
  • The role of developing economies in producing, transporting, and consuming green hydrogen
  • The sustainability dilemma: efficiency, opportunity cost, and export of energy in underserved economies

Session 2B

Scale & Accelerate - Growth of C&I

11:30

Booming Business: The Expanding C&I Segment

panel

60 min.

Though still a relatively underserved market segment for solar systems, the C&I sector will become increasingly renewable-energy hungry as governments increase incentives to deliver on decarbonization targets, and fossil-fuelled electricity prices continue to be volatile. The market segment is picking up the pace quickly. By 2026, 125 GW of C&I rooftop solar is forecasted to have been installed, making C&I solar an increasing and significant contributor to the global renewable energy supply. Join this session to stay on top of the latest market dynamics and trends in the C&I sector and learn from experienced developers.

moderator

Anders Hauch

Frontier Energy

Christiane Würdemann

Mirova SunFunder

Prince Ojeabulu

Rensource Energy

Eren Ergin

BECIS - Berkeley Energy Commercial & Industrial Solutions.

Rupesh Hindocha

Starsight Premier Energy Group

Session Topics:
  • Finding the right model: Self-consumption vs. feeding into the grid
  • Innovations in C&I: storage, bifacial/tracking, floating. What can we expect in the coming years?
  • How to boost C&I growth: obstacles in regulation, technology and client preferences
  • Financing: challenges and solutions related to financing C&I solar

12:30

Networking Lunch

Session Topics:

Session 3A

Pioneer & Develop - BESS

14:00

Taking Charge with Energy Storage

panel

60 min.

Storage technologies like batteries are deployed to balance the intermittent nature of renewables and to support grid stability and reliability. As of such, storage is a vital element to the future of energy. Its contribution to the energy transition in developing economies, island states and other countries in need of clean and affordable access to energy is clear. The business case, however, is not yet as clear globally. Get up to speed with the fast developments in storage, from a technology, market and finance perspective.

moderator

Marianna Sédéfian

Trinity International

Rianne 't Hoen

DNV

Mark Roesink

FMO

Alexandre Lambolez

Qair Group

Michael Salomon

Clean Horizon

Session Topics:
  • Regional market updates
  • Battery technology advancements
  • Bankability of storage projects

Session 3B

Scale & Accelerate - Merchant Markets

14:00

Moving to Merchant: Risks and Rewards

panel

60 min.

The renewable industry is moving to the next phase of market integration, in which projects will be partially or fully exposed to wholesale prices and the associated risks. This session will discuss the transition from gold-plated PPAs to merchant markets. Both financial institutions and developers will share lessons learned so far related to dealing with the risks and opportunities of merchant electricity markets.

moderator

Vivek Mittal

Africa Infrastructure Development Association (AfiDA)

Ana Hajduka

Africa GreenCo

Mehmet Erdem Yasar

EBRD - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Maurits Jager

Scatec

Rens Philipsen

Baringa

Session Topics:
  • Differences between traditional PPAs and exposure to market risk
  • Bankability of merchant-based assets
  • How to forecast both short-term and long-term price development
  • Lessons learned from banks and developers

Pitch Session

Fast Forward Stage

14:00

Innovate & Elevate: Climate Tech Startups in Action

60 min.

Innovation and accelerating the deployment of technology breakthroughs are critical to the energy transition. To achieve net zero by 2050, 35 percent of our emissions reductions need to come from technologies that are only at prototype or demonstration stage today. Join us for a dynamic session where four cutting-edge climate tech startups will showcase their revolutionary solutions. In collaboration with Third Derivative, a global innovation engine housed at Rocky Mountain Institute, these startups are actively solving some of the world’s hardest decarbonization challenges. Discover their potential and understand the impact their technologies could have on the global energy paradigm.

moderator

Rushad Nanavatty

RMI - Rocky Mountain Institute

Dolf Joekes

AtmosZero Europe

Rainer Hönig

betteries AMPS

Felipe Loose

Enline Energy

Christopher Brandon

EH Group

Session Topics:

15:00

Networking Coffee Break

Session Topics:

Session 4A

Pioneer & Develop - Offshore Wind

15:45

Harnessing the Potential of Offshore Wind Development

panel

60 min.

For many years, offshore wind witnessed large scale investment, largely thanks to technological improvements and economies of scale. Now, offshore wind is increasingly gaining interest in new geographies. Projections suggest that offshore wind will reach installation rates between 15 and 21 GW/year from 2025 to 2030. This session will explore the potential for offshore wind to continue its role in the future of energy and if new geographies can ride on the wave of past successes and ramp up their local offshore markets.

moderator

Doreen Abeysundra

Fresco CleanTech Solutions

Huub den Rooijen

The World Bank

Edwin van de Brug

Van Oord

Anna Marie Owie

EIFO

Pablo Necochea

BlueFloat Energy

Session Topics:
  • Offshore wind market development forecasts
  • Specific opportunities and challenges related to offshore wind project development
  • The bankability of offshore wind projects in new markets

Session 4B

Scale & Accelerate - Transmission & Distribution

15:45

Transitioning to the Next Chapter: Private Sector Involvement in the State-Dominated Transmission and Distribution Space

panel

60 min.

The energy transition will increasingly require significant investments towards the upgrading of transmission and distribution systems. Although state-owned companies have historically dominated the transmission and distribution sectors, private sector participation is increasing rapidly. How do we nurture and encourage this development? Join this session and learn from real-life examples.

moderator

Ryan Ketchum

Hunton Andrews Kurth

Epitacio Miranda

Actis

Chris Flavin

Gridworks Partners

Jisung Won

MIGA

Session Topics:
  • The role transmission and distribution will play in the energy transition
  • The business models and project structures that result in investable transmission and distribution projects
  • Which features do legal and regulatory frameworks need to enable private investment in transmission and distribution

Pitch session

Fast Forward Stage

15:45

Renewable Rendezvous: Catapulting Next-Gen Developers into Financial Success

90 min.

This Pitch Session will last from 15:45 until 17:15

On the 'Fast Forward Stage', AfIDA will present five aspiring, highly-capable developers from Africa, who will deliver their renewable energy investment pitches to the audience. These first-time developers represent a new wave of homegrown project development talent, poised to transform the landscape of clean energy in Africa. In a fast-paced pitch format, each developer will showcase their projects, ranging from solar PV, hydro, waste-to-energy and biofuels. The goal? To secure partnerships and investments that will propel their projects to financial close. But that's not all – a panel of seasoned renewable energy investors from FMO, Climate Fund Managers, Get.invest, Trinity and Africa GreenCo will mentor these developers, and will provide instantaneous feedback to the developers. 

moderator

Vivek Mittal

Africa Infrastructure Development Association (AfiDA)

Noble Ekajeh

Phoenix Edison Limited

Tunde Akerele

Tatanga Energy

Johannes Bochdalofsky

SeaH4

Junnie Wangari

Wanergy Africa Limited

Herbert Wakaabu

Kwanza

Session Topics:

16:45

Short Break

Session Topics:

Session 5

Closing the First Conference Day

17:00

Recap of the First Conference Day

15 min.

Taking stock of the major learnings, insights and highlights of the first day of Future of Energy.

Talitha Muusse

Conference host

Huib-Jan de Ruijter

FMO

Edwin Koot

Solarplaza

Session Topics:

17:15

Illuminating Change: Landscapes of the Future

presentation

30 min.

As an innovative thought leader, Daan Roosegaarde showcases the importance of “Schoonheid” (a Dutch word signifying both beauty and cleanliness) as a core value, along with his vision for a better future. He'll give a lecture in which he highlights his innovative practices, which merge people, technology, and space to create a future-proof world. Virtual floods, smog-sucking towers and organic fireworks; Roosegaarde pulls technology out of the screens to explore the social role of design in our world, and activate solutions to improve life in urban environments.
 

Daan Roosegaarde

Studio Roosegaarde

Session Topics:

17:45

Networking Drinks

Location: Beurs van Berlage. Free to attend after the conference.

Session Topics:
18:30

Networking Event

Location: Koepelkerk Amsterdam.
The Networking Event is Sold Out

Session Topics:

Friday 1 March 2024

Program Day 2


08:00

Registration & Welcome Coffee

60 min.

Session Topics:

Session 6

Opening of the Conference

09:00

Opening Words

20 min.

Talitha Muusse

Conference host

Damilola Adeyanju

Future Energy Leaders The Netherlands

Peter Maila

FMO

Session Topics:

09:20

A Just Energy Transition

presentation

30 min.

The global energy access gap persists, as 675 million people still lack access to electricity and over 2.3 billion people continue to rely on harmful cooking fuels. It’s become clear that the world is not on track to achieve SDG 7 (“affordable and clean energy for all”) by 2030. This lack of power hinders people, businesses, and public institutions, and reduces food security, economic opportunity, and welfare. Without significant energy access investments in the low-income markets, entire countries will be left behind in the clean energy transition.

Damilola Ogunbiyi

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)

Session Topics:
  • Impact of climate change on the global south
  • How to reach net zero while leaving no one behind
  • Pain points and future solutions in energy access for all
  • Women's participation in the energy transition

09:50

ESG Management in the Context of the Energy Transition

panel

40 min.

The sustainable energy transition risks being tainted by numerous factors: social issues (such as forced labor in our supply chain), rising mineral demand, the environmental impact of manufacturing materials and other risks are at the forefront of it. At the same time, the focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors is increasing, due to shifts in corporate values and strategy, new regulations, and customer and investor priorities. In this session, financial and renewable representatives meet and discuss how these two trends can either alleviate or complicate one another.

moderator

Sindhura Swaminathan

Eversheds Sutherland

Maarten van Renssen

Globeleq Africa Ltd

Wilfred van den Bos

Serengeti Energy

Davide Maneschi

Swedwatch

Daniel Calderon

Alcazar Energy

Mercedes Sotoca Covaleda

FMO

Session Topics:
  • Are we improving our ESG efforts?
  • Human rights issues and the impact on the supply chain
  • Community impact and management

10:30

Morning Break

Session Topics:

Session 7A

Pioneer & Develop - Energy Efficiency

11:00

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Effectively: Energy Efficiency

panel

45 min.

According to the EIA, energy efficiency improvements have saved 12.3 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions globally between 2000 and 2019, and could provide up to 40% of global emission reductions to meet 2040 climate goals. However, to achieve this goal, more needs to be done - especially in emerging markets where energy performance standards are often weak. Aside from the impact story of energy efficiency, there is a compelling business case to be made for reducing operational costs and improving competitiveness. In this session, we explore both the business case and the impact case of energy efficiency measures.

moderator

Harry Verhaar

Signify

Gilles Parmentier

Africa REN

Staf Seurinck

ABB Group

Borislav Kostadinov

Finance in Motion GmbH

Marco Monroy

MGM Innova Capital

Session Topics:
  • Understanding the potential of energy efficiency in emerging markets
  • Examples of prevailing business models behind energy efficiency
  • Latest technology trends
  • The call for private capital

Session 7B

Scale & Accelerate - Rural Minigrids

11:00

Unlocking the Full Potential of Rural Minigrids

panel

45 min.

Mini-grids are a great cost-effective solution to further electrifying rural villages. Although the opportunity is huge, we don’t yet see them scaling up as fast as we would like. Challenges such as higher capex investments, and lack of a beneficial regulatory framework and structure might be at the root of this. In this session, we will discuss the key bottlenecks and potential solutions to scaling up this market segment faster. 

moderator

Julia von Franz

ARE - Alliance for Rural Electrification

Randa Mrabat

ENGIE

Benjamin Hugues

Camco Clean Energy

Nick Gibbins

New Resource Partners

Quentin De Hoe

EDFI Management Company

Session Topics:
  • Feasible business models
  • Productive use as a means to improve the demand profile
  • How to mitigate regulatory risk
  • Key challenges in accessing finance

Workshop

Fast Forward Stage

11:00

Visualizing The Future of Energy

45 min.

Registration Required

In this inspiring and interactive workshop, Daan Roosegaarde will take a limited number of attendees on a journey to visualize a better and cleaner future, using AI-empowered software. Through interactive dialogues with audience participants, and by asking questions about how to make their thoughts become reality, they will together depict the Future of Energy. Daan Roosegaarde: "If we can't imagine the future, we can't build it."

Daan Roosegaarde

Studio Roosegaarde

Session Topics:

11:45

Short Break

Session Topics:

Session 8A

Pioneer & Develop - E-mobility

12:00

The Road to E-mobility

panel

45 min.

Opportunities involving electric mobility are emerging in many developing countries. Electric buses and electric two- and three-wheeled vehicles can play a vital role in moving people and products in a more sustainable way, while at the same time bring development benefits to urban and rural areas. In this session, we will discuss opportunities and challenges for investing in, and developing, e-mobility infrastructure.

moderator

Daphnée Benayoun

Dalberg

Luis Andres Alandia

Proparco

Devendra Chawla

GreenCell Mobility

Alp Tilev

Ampersand

David Damberger

M-kopa Mobility

Session Topics:
  • Key markets: Status quo, outlook and impact
  • Opportunities and challenges of the current market environment
  • Business models: purchase, lease or eMobility-as-a-Service
  • Key financing requirements

Session 8B

Scale & Accelerate - Onshore Wind

12:00

Scaling Onshore Wind under Challenging Conditions

panel

45 min.

As we strive to harness the limitless potential of wind energy, we find ourselves faced with an intriguing paradox: the best winds often dance where challenges are plenty. In this session, we'll delve into the practical aspects of scaling onshore wind energy projects with the current challenges at hand. Join us as we explore the strategies that enable us to harness wind power sustainably in these challenging settings.

moderator

Itske Lulof

Invest International

Shalabh Singhania

InfraCo Asia

Bart Turtelboom

Delphos

Francisco Fortuny

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Carlos Palazón

Genneia

Session Topics:
  • Bankability and financing challenges
  • Impact of grid and supply chain turbulence
  • ESG: how to manage biodiversity, communities and governance complexities

InterGen Talks

Fast forward Stage

12:00

Renewable Rendezvous: Youth-Led Solutions for Sustainable Futures in Emerging Markets

60 min.

The InterGen Talks will last from 12:00 until 13:00

On the 'Fast Forward Stage', students and young professionals from the Future Energy Leaders network will take center stage to present their visionary solutions to pressing energy challenges in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. These forward-thinking young minds are at the forefront of shaping a sustainable future, and their insights promise to inspire and transform the energy landscape. As we delve into their innovative projects, the future energy leaders will engage in a thought-provoking conversation with seasoned experts from the industry. Together, we'll explore how the intersection of youth-driven ingenuity and senior expertise can pave the way for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy future across continents.

moderator

Talitha Muusse

Conference host

Damian Miller

Orb Energy

Chad Canfield

Finance in Motion GmbH

Diana​​​​ Wesselius

Anthos Fund & Asset Managment B.V.

Felix Körner

DEG (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft)

Denisa Kasa

Future Energy Leaders The Netherlands

Omnia Ali

Elisabeth Brzesowsky

Agney Bhakare

Elisha Olukenny

Session Topics:

12:45

Networking Lunch Break

Session Topics:

Session 9

Closing the Second Conference Day

14:15

Pioneering, Developing and Scaling Solar Success

presentation

15 min.

Join us for an inspiring session with Damian Miller, a trailblazer in the solar industry, as he shares his remarkable journey of pioneering, developing, and scaling solar initiatives in India. Gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs that shaped his success, and discover the strategies that propelled him to the forefront of sustainable energy innovation. This session promises to illuminate the path to success in the dynamic world of renewable energy.

Damian Miller

Orb Energy

Session Topics:
  • Growing demand for green bonds
  • Blended and concessional finance structures
  • DRE- and carbon credits
  • Roles of intermediaries
  • Local currency financing

14:30

Innovating the Future Financing Landscape

panel

45 min.

Current global trends such as increasing interest rates impact risk perception and risk appetite. This leads to a need for innovative approaches to financing renewable energy project development. In this session, we will dive into the newest financing structures and look ahead at what's needed to secure the future of energy in the developing world.

moderator

Ruurd Brouwer

TCX

Tina Simonishvili

TBC Capital

Stefanie Fairholme

Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)

Christoph Both

GET.invest

Joseph Armah

Powertrust

Jiwoo Choi

Acumen

Session Topics:
  • Growing demand for green bonds
  • Direct financing
  • Result-based financing
  • Blended finance structures
  • Reducing the extremely long timelines of funding rounds
  • Roles of intermediaries

15:15

Recap of the Second Conference Day

10 min.

Talitha Muusse

Conference host

Huib-Jan de Ruijter

FMO

Edwin Koot

Solarplaza

Session Topics:

15:25

Chasing Horizons: the Brunel Solar Car Racing Team's Journey towards a Greener Tomorrow

30 min.

In the dynamic realm of solar car racing, the Brunel Solar Team emerges as a beacon of innovation and sustainability, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the pursuit of a greener tomorrow. As they navigate the fast-paced landscape of the solar car race, their project not only symbolizes cutting-edge engineering but also serves as a testament to the pivotal role of sustainable technologies in shaping the future. Together, let's explore how this team is not just racing against competitors but racing towards a brighter, sustainable future.

Cato Kral

Brunel Solar Team

Huub Kavelaars

Brunel Solar Team

Session Topics:

15:55

Closing Words

5 min.

Wrapping up two action-packed days of Future of Energy insights and learnings.

Talitha Muusse

Conference host

Session Topics:

16:00

Networking Drinks

Session Topics:

Need any help?

We got you. Send out an email to our team and we are here to help.

Frannie Flinterman
Project Manager

For practical questions regarding our activities:

[email protected]

Tor Jörgensen
Business Developer

For practical questions regarding our activities:

[email protected]

Quinta Visser
Management Assistant Energy

For practical questions regarding our activities:

[email protected]