EGENCO HOSTS 2019 AFRICAN HYDRO SYMPOSIUM
Over 160 delegates, from 14 countries met to discuss and share experiences on developments, operations, maintenance and management of hydro power plants at the 29th African Hydro Symposium that the Electricity Generation Company (Malawi) Limited hosted from 7th to 10th October 2019 at the Soche International Conference Center in Blantyre under the theme Quality Power for Sustainable Development.
Opening the ceremony, Guest of Honor; Patrick Matanda, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining said that Malawi as a country is proud to bring together players from various sectors and countries to discuss challenges and opportunities in providing sustainable power as energy is a prerequisite to any meaningful development.
“Energy is instrumental to the development of our countries and wellbeing of our people. Where it is missing, other resources needed for development will also be missing.” Said Matanda.
He, therefore, urged the delegates to discuss and explore solutions to the problems and challenges that the energy sector in Africa is facing, especially climate change, as low water levels and reduced water flows resulting from reduced rainfalls are threatening the future of hydropower generation.
Acknowledging the challenge that climate change poses, Chief Executive Officer for EGENCO, William Liabunya, said the symposium is an ideal platform for hydropower operators to discuss and bring solutions to the challenges that their industry is facing.
“The symposium has come at the right time and it will enable us to share experiences and learn from each other on how we can improve our operations.” Said Liabunya.
He further appealed for innovation among hydropower generators that will enable them to make optimum use of the little water resources that are available as a result of changes in the climate. The African Hydro Symposium is a regional forum where hydro power plants operating experts in Africa meet to share experiences and deliberate on developments, operations, maintenance and management of hydro power plants in the continent. This year’s symposium was held under the theme Quality Power for Sustainable Development in Africa.
