François Xavier Dubois, Siemens Energy, on Regional Collaboration, Cross-Border Energy Partnerships, and the Need for Speed.

Siemens Energy is involved in transformational projects across East Africa.  François Xavier Dubois, Head of Business Development for the region, spoke to EnergyNet about the progress being made, the barriers to transition, the significance of gas to power, green hydrogen, and the exciting potential for collaboration in the region’s energy future. 

EnergyNet: Could you share some of Siemens Energy’s recent projects in the region? 

François: Siemens Energy has been at the heart of transformative projects across East Africa, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s energy future.

Take the Ethiopia-Kenya High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Connection, for example. This groundbreaking project isn’t just a technical achievement—it’s a symbol of regional cooperation. By linking Ethiopia’s abundant hydropower resources to Kenya’s growing demand, this 2 GW electricity exchange has proven how cross-border energy partnerships can power entire economies while fostering sustainability.

In Tanzania, our work at the Ubungo Power Plant in Dar Es Salaam tells another powerful story. Here, three SGT-800 gas turbines supply 100 MW of electricity, meeting the city’s growing energy needs with high efficiency. For many, this means reliable power for homes, businesses, and industries, driving Tanzania’s aspirations for economic growth.

Meanwhile, in Mozambique, Siemens Energy is contributing to two transformative projects. At Total Energies’ LNG site in Cabo Delgado, we’re supplying cutting-edge, emissions-reducing power generation equipment and boil-off gas compressors. This isn’t just about energy production; it’s about unlocking the potential of Mozambique’s natural resources in an environmentally responsible way. Simultaneously, at the 450 MW Central Térmica de Temane power plant, six SGT-800 gas turbines are helping deliver electricity that is both efficient and clean, showcasing how advanced technology can support sustainable development.

Heading north to Ethiopia, we’re proud to play a key role in the Asela Wind Farm project. In partnership with Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), we’re commissioning a 100 MW onshore wind farm to harness the country’s natural wind resources. This project represents Ethiopia’s commitment to renewable energy and Siemens Energy’s dedication to helping nations meet their green energy goals.

These projects highlight Siemens Energy’s ability to deliver impactful, tailored solutions. They also demonstrate the immense potential for cross-border energy collaborations, like the Ethiopia-Kenya HVDC connection. Imagine a future where similar partnerships extend across Uganda and Tanzania or Ethiopia and Tanzania, creating a web of shared energy resources that stabilize grids and accelerate renewable energy adoption. That vision isn’t far off, and Siemens Energy is ready to make it a reality.

EnergyNet: The technology is already there to make the transition happen – what do you see as the barriers? 

François: The technology to drive the energy transition is ready, and Siemens Energy is at the forefront of making it accessible. But technology on its own isn’t enough—we need collaboration across governments, businesses, and communities to truly make this transformation happen. It’s about finding the right balance between affordability, reliability, and sustainability while addressing the challenges that come with geopolitical pressures and the race to meet net-zero targets.

One of the biggest hurdles we face is timing. Developing energy projects in Africa often takes years—sometimes five or six—before they reach Financial Close. That’s just too slow to keep up with the growing demand for energy, driven by population growth and industrialization. We need to see faster decision-making and streamlined processes so projects can move forward more efficiently and deliver results when they’re needed most.

Another major challenge is outdated legislation. Energy systems today are more complex and interconnected than ever, and the regulations in many countries haven’t kept up. For example, concepts like wheeling, where power is generated in one place and used in another, aren’t fully supported in many areas. And policies to reward grid stability or modernize transmission models are still lacking. Without these updates, integrating renewables and attracting private investment becomes much harder.

Then there’s the issue of funding. Many governments in the region are balancing competing priorities like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, all while managing tight budgets and debt constraints. Unlocking private-sector investment is crucial, but it won’t happen unless there’s a clear, stable, and transparent environment that reduces risks for investors.

Beyond those big-picture challenges, it’s also important to recognize that every country is starting from a different point. Some have strong renewable energy resources but weak grids. Others may have outdated regulations or specific risks that make investment tricky. There’s no single solution that works everywhere. Each country needs a tailored strategy that takes into account its unique situation while also encouraging regional collaboration when it makes sense.

And speaking of infrastructure, we can’t talk about the energy transition without focusing on the grid. It’s the backbone of any energy system, but it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Many countries focus on building new power plants but neglect the grid itself. That’s a problem, especially as more renewable energy comes online. Grids need to be modernized and made more reliable so they can handle the variability of renewables and ensure stability. It’s not just about adding more capacity—it’s about making sure the energy flows where it’s needed, when it’s needed.

At the end of the day, the pieces are all there. The technology exists, and the will to transition is growing. But success will depend on how well we can work together—governments, businesses, and communities—to address these challenges head-on. East Africa has incredible potential to lead this transformation, and with the right focus and partnerships, I truly believe we can make it happen.

EnergyNet : What do you see as the significance of gas-to-power projects in the region?

François: East Africa has a wealth of renewable energy resources—hydro, wind, geothermal, solar, and biomass. In fact, some countries in the region are already leading the way, with over 80% of their electricity coming from green sources. That’s an amazing foundation to build on, and at Siemens Energy, we’re passionate about supporting this kind of transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

That said, renewable energy alone isn’t enough to meet the region’s needs. Renewables like wind, solar, and even hydro are inherently variable—they depend on the weather, the time of day, or the season. To fully integrate them into the energy mix, you need other technologies to bridge the gaps when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining. Batteries are a great solution for short-term storage, but they’re not yet capable of providing the kind of long-term reliability that’s needed. That’s where gas-to-power projects come in.

EnergyNet: Are there any green hydrogen projects on the horizon?

François: Absolutely. Since moving to East Africa in 2023, I’ve been amazed at the level of interest and activity around green hydrogen. There’s a growing number of developers working on projects like green fertilizer, eSAF (sustainable aviation fuel), eAmmonia, eMethanol, and other hydrogen-based solutions. It’s an exciting time because these projects have the potential to not only transform the energy sector but also reshape industries like agriculture, transport, and manufacturing.

That said, green hydrogen is still a relatively new technology…

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