#United States #Washington, D.C. #Chris Wright #Powering Africa #Energy Partnership

Chris Wright to Deliver Keynote Address at Powering Africa Summit

The 10th annual Powering Africa Summit (PAS) is scheduled to take place on March 6-7 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C., featuring a keynote speech by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. Under the theme The Future of the US & Africa Energy Partnership, the summit aims to tackle the pressing question of how the new U.S. Administration will manage its energy relationships with African countries.

As a crucial figure, Secretary Wright will not be alone; he will be joined by a knowledgeable group of representatives from the U.S. government, including Ambassador Troy Fitrell and Kimberly Harrington, who will share insights into the future interactions between Africa and U.S.-based investors vital for achieving energy goals across the continent.

Secretary Wright expressed his commitment to enhancing affordable, secure energy both domestically and globally. He stated, "It is essential for the U.S. to reaffirm its strategic energy partnership with Africa, as we work to advance innovation and eliminate barriers to energy access worldwide."

Overview of the Summit

The summit expects a significant participation from African Ministers, with speakers confirmed from 20 different countries. The event will provide a platform for collaboration among institutional investors, private financiers, and technology service providers. Key discussions will include: - De-risking energy projects - South Africa’s energy future - Regulatory reforms in West Africa - The role of hydrogen in North Africa - Opportunities in bitcoin mining and data centers from an East African perspective.

One of the summit's goals is the Mission 300 initiative, aimed at providing electricity access to 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, highlighting the urgency of energy development on the continent.

To celebrate International Women's Day ahead of March 8, the gala drinks reception, sponsored by Genesis Energy, will also take place during the summit. This reflects the summit's commitment to promoting gender equality in the energy sector.

Notable Participants

Several private companies are also playing a significant role at the summit, including Alliant Insurance Services, GE Vernova, and Schneider Electric. According to Adam Cortese, CEO of Sun Africa, "This summit underscores a transformative shift in how the U.S. engages with foreign infrastructure development. Our model exemplifies how energy companies can thrive in emerging markets while remaining commercially viable."
Simon Gosling, Managing Director of EnergyNet, further emphasized that PAS has always focused on connecting African nations seeking investments to U.S. investors eager to tap into the continent's potential. “It’s critical now more than ever to establish the energy projects Africa needs,” he added.

Media Participation

The summit will kick off with Secretary Wright’s keynote address on March 6 at 9:45 AM, followed by a Fireside Chat with Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 Accelerator. Media credentials are essential for those wishing to attend the summit. To apply, interested parties can follow the link or contact the media relations office.

In summary, the 10th Powering Africa Summit stands as a pivotal moment in strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and African nations concerning energy development. With a dynamic agenda and influential speakers, the event promises to pave the way for future collaborations in the energy sector.

For more information, contact Poliana Sperandio via email.