Bioenergy Markets West Africa

Co-Sponsor:

A limited number of free passes & travel, accommodation & per diem allowance are being sponsored by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), these are available for small scale companies headquartered and based in Africa which produce or intend to produce bioenergy feedstocks and bioenergy in African nations. Contact nigel.yeates@greenpowerconferences.com with details of your project to apply.

Introduction

Strategic partner

The inaugural Bioenergy Markets West Africa conference and exhibition will bring together key players from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region with global industry experts.  This event is a new edition to the Bioenergy Markets Series which is now in its 4th year and has been attended by over 6000 high calibre delegates to date.

Energy is essential to development and without energy countries cannot achieve the Millennium Development Goals.  West Africa’s agricultural sector has strong potential for bioenergy production whilst maintaining food security in the region.  Agriculture plays a central role in the region accounting on average for 30-40% of GDP and this resource base can be developed with strong policies and practices.  According to the United Nations Foundation report ‘Sustainable Bioenergy Development in UEMOA Member Countries’ traditional wood biomass compromises 73% of primary energy in the region.  Poor forestry practices must be reversed as they undermine sustainable forest management and reforestation programs.  Waste streams and agricultural residues can add to these biomass resources.  Locally grown bioenergy crops, sustainably produced, can also be transformed into modern fuels.  With the correct policies and choices, the use of bioenergy can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions as energy consumption expands.

West Africa’s agriculture system combines subsistence farming – revolving around staple food crops of millet, sorghum, cassava and rice – with an export oriented sector that produces such crops as cotton, groundnuts, cocoa, coffee, palm, sugarcane and soy.  Many countries in the region have recently established renewables & biofuels production policies and many are already working with investors establishing plantations to grow feedstocks.  Advancements in bioenergy can help to reduce rising import bills through substitution of locally produced, biopower, biogas, bioethanol and biodiesel.

 

The conference will be simultaneously translated in English and French

 

Key Reasons to Attend

• Gain an in depth understanding of the West African bioenergy market
• Understand the policy support and stage of development in each country
• Learn which bioenergy feedstocks are available in each country
• Listen to experts share their predictions on future market growth
• Identify investment opportunities in the region
• Flexible pricing options
• 50% off attendance at World Biofuels Markets for attendees at this event
• Case studies from across the region and beyond
• Participate in a series of interactive panel discussions and help shape this fast moving market
• Benefit from first class networking opportunities though our online networking tool prior to, during and after the event

African Bioenergy Producers Pass
A limited number of reduced fee passes for the 3 Day Conference (US $ 299) are available for small scale companies headquartered in Africa which are at an early production stage or intend to produce bioenergy in African nations.  Passes will be awarded at the sole discretion of Green Power Conferences.
Qualifying organisations include non corporate projects, farmers growing bioenergy crops including Jatropha, farming cooperatives and rural groups.
The fee includes full event documentation, refreshment breaks and lunch but NOT accommodation or travel.

To apply please send details of your project/planned project to Nigel Yeates (nigel.yeates@greenpowerconferences.com)

Confirmed speakers include:

Gordon Abiama, Program Coordinator, Earth Rights Institute, Nigeria
Ruud van Eck, Director, Diligent Energy Systems, The Netherlands
Giovanni Venturini Del Greco, Partner, Agroils & Chairman, Jatrophabook, Italy
Dr. Essel Ben Hagan, Director, Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana
Hamata Ag Hautafaye, Chief Executive Officer, National Biofuel Development Agency (ANADEB), Ministry of Energy, Mali
Jack Holden, Executive Director, Gold Star Farms, Ghana
Dr. John Afari Idan, Chief Executive Officer, Biogas Technologies West Africa, Ghana
Kofi Marfu, Managing Director, Bio Diesel 1, Ghana
Dr. Felix Babatunde Obada, Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Global Biofuels, Nigeria
Augustine Acheampong Otoo, Director, Global & Regional Operations, Ghana Investments Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana
Ulrich B Riemann, Managing Director, Bionic Palm, Ghana
Dwight Rosslee, Manager, Biogas Power, South Africa
Meghan Sapp, Secretary General, Partners for Euro-African Green Energy (PANGEA), Belgium
Clifford Spencer, Head of Operations, G4 Group, UK
Thierno Bocar Tall, Head of African Biofuels and Renewable Energy Fund, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, Togo
Roger N Yomba, President & Chief Executive Officer, Ax Energy, Cote d’Ivoire

Agenda outline

Bioenergy in West Africa

Welcome Address – Encouraging bioenergy markets in the ECOWAS region.

Keynote Session – Bioenergy developments such as locally produced, biopower, biogas, bioethanol and biodiesel are creating new opportunities for the region.  How can these renewable resources be utilised in  a beneficial way for all stakeholders?

Biopower Generation – This session will review the latest trends in the West African biomass power generation sector.  Due to its volume of land and potential biomass resources West Africa has tremendous potential for biopower.

Biogas – This session will review the opportunities of biogas production in the region.  What initiatives are in place already?  How can economies of scale be reached for farm and domestic production?

Bioenergy Applications – This session will investigate the applications of bioenergy in West Africa with a series of case studies.  Possible applications include biomass stoves, powering generators, pure oil for small engines, rural electrification, powering rural telecoms and combined heat and power.

Biofuels

Facilitation of Sustainable Biofuels – This session will present the current situation and critical issues for the region with speakers from key governmental bodies and biofuels companies.  What are the opportunities for biofuels in the region and what will be the key success factors?  How do governments ensure it is done right?  What is the life cycle assessment of biofuels being produced in West Africa?  Are sustainability measures being applied?

Policy Developments in West Africa – This session will review the current status of biofuels policies in the region and what needs to be done moving forward.  Do we have stable and clear policies and regulations?  How do governments ensure ecosystems and biodiversity are preserved?  What is the role of standards in the region?

Finance & Investment – This session will review project finance and investment trends.  What business models will give appropriate returns?  What are the risks in financing bioenergy projects?  Can biofuels benefit from co-financing from carbon credits? 

Large Scale vs. Small Scale Production – This session will review the scale of production that is being utilised in the region at present.  How can we ensure that both large scale and small scale production are beneficial to the region?  What is the role of cooperative and outgrower schemes?

Biodiesel Production Case Studies – This session will review a series of brief case studies followed by Q&A.  What are the different feedstock options for biodiesel in the region?  Who is currently producing in the region and what are their models?  How are producers coping with industry challenges?

Bioethanol Production Case Studies - This session will review a series of brief case studies followed by Q&A.  What are the different feedstock options for bioethanol in the region?  What are the latest production technology developments?  What are the by-product markets to consider?

Downstream Logistics – This session will review the current uses and future downstream paths for biofuels from the region.  What role will the export market play moving forward?

Jatropha

Sustainability -  This session will look at the sustainability of Jatropha and impacts on the environment.  How can Jatropha be used in rural development?  What is the definition of waste land and what are the ecosystem & biodiversity considerations?  What government policies are being developed for Jatropha?

Production Case Studies – This session will review a series of brief case studies followed by Q&A.  Plantation owners and producers from across the region will discuss the practicalities of Jatropha, how their projects are developing and learnings to date.

Financing – This session will review how projects can attract investment partners in these credit constrained times.  How do you retain investor interest?  What is the role of microfinance and private equity for Jatropha?

Agronomy – This session will take an in depth look at the technical agronomic issues around Jatropha, including seed R&D, soil considerations, irrigation, fertiliser and harvesting.  What genetic varieties and propagation techniques work in different locations?  How do you identify desired crop traits?  How do you rehabilitate degraded land?  How do you manage pest and disease control?  Is mechanized harvesting an option?

Processing & Refining – This session will review the downstream considerations of Jatropha, a lot of companies are expanding production capacity rapidly but are the downstream elements in place?  What are the oil extraction and press technology considerations?  What are the site selection considerations?  Is the offtake infrastructure in place?

Applications – This session will review the uses of Jatropha biodiesel.  Is Jatropha Based Jet Fuel the big market?  Can Jatropha biodiesel be used for local domestic fuel or is export the best option?

Speaking Opportunities

If you are interested in speaking at this event please submit a speaking proposal (presentation title, 4-5 bullet points and brief synopsis) to Nigel Yeates:
Email: nigel.yeates@greenpowerconferences.com

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

Bioenergy Markets West Africa is the 19th edition in the global Bioenergy Markets Series organised by Green Power Conferences.  The event offers an integrated solution of brand positioning, business development and face-to-face networking opportunities with senior decision makers.

Connecting you with the right people
With a proven track record of delivering high calibre attendees this event provides the perfect environment for you to do business with project developers from across the region under one roof.

First class business opportunities
Our sponsorship and exhibition packages are designed to help you meet your business objectives. If you are looking to win prospective clients, strengthen existing relationships or enhance your company profile, we will help you do so in a cost effective manner.

Contact Amit Shahani for further details:
Tel: +971 4 813 5219 | Fax: +44 207 900 1853
Email: amit.shahani@greenpowerconferences.com

 

Partners

Supported by:

Ministry of Energy, Republic of Ghana

Information Partner:

 

Endorsed by:

Media Partners

 

Partners:

The Ghanaian Journal - www.theghanaianjournal.com

 

Official Offset Partner:

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Green Power Conferences consistently work in strategic partnership with industry leading organisations and trade publications. Our international and targeted marketing campaigns ensure excellent marketing exposure for our partners.  If you would like to partner with us, please contact Daniel Claassen for further details:
Email: daniel.claassen@greenpowerconferences.com

Venue

La Palm Royal Beach Hotel
Location: No. 1 Bypass, Accra
P.O.Box OS 3000, Osu, Accra, Ghana
Tel: +233 21 771700/ 771666/ 24 4342621-4
Fax: +233 21 771717
Email: lapalm@gbhghana.net