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Press release 30 March 2014

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Successful Africa Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference Opens Door to Enhanced Solar PV in Africa

40 Countries participated including 14 African nations
Number African participants reached more than 60% of total
Concrete steps towards preparation of AfricaPVSEC 2015

Durban 30 March 2014 –The first Africa Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (AfricaPVSEC) in Durban, South Africa ended as a successful scientific and business forum. It welcomed 280 attendees from 40 countries, thereof 14 African nations. The African delegates represented 66% of the total number of participants.

63 presentations during the 2.5 days reflect the compact programme concept. The conference presentations covered all key issues from research to implementation, from PV policies to strategy.

2 industries sessions organised by SA industry participants offered insight into the PV reality and targeted future in the southern part of Africa. The first CIGS thin-film modules manufactured in Africa were also on display in the exhibition hall.

“Prof. Vivian Alberts, declared: the inaugural AfricaPVSEC was successfully concluded and fulfilled its important promise and mandate to link Africa-based PV professionals and academics with their global counterparts. This historical event therefore contributed significantly towards the establishment of strategic technical partnerships and business opportunities within the African countries. The future events will be organized in close cooperation with all the relevant role players and stakeholders in order to ensure an even broader participation and interaction between world-leading scientists, business leaders and political role players”.

Dr. Giovanni De Santi also congratulated the organisers and participants for a successful event "I was greatly impressed by the intense interaction between different sectors during the last 3 days. We now need to build on this and create a concrete framework for the continued success " he commented during his closing statements.

A steering Committee has been established for the preparation of the next event. It will be chaired by Prof. Vivian Alberts, University of Johannesburg and PV industry representative. Candidatures for potential steering committee members were also received from stakeholders representing research, national government and international organisations from 7 African countries, all offering concrete support to the future development of AfricaPVSEC.

The next AfricaPVSEC will be organised in 2015.

Background:
AfricaPVSEC is an initiative of EU PVSEC and SNEC, which partnered to promote the photovoltaic solar energy sector in Africa and to bring together leading experts, researchers, public authorities, representatives of international organizations, donors, and NGOs. AfricaPVSEC is supported by European and international organisations including: the European Commission, Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA), African Renewable Energy Alliance (AREA), ECOWAS Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the University of Johannesburg.

The Conference Programme is coordinated by the European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre.

For further information please visit:
http://www.africapvsec.com

Contact:
info@africapvsec.com
Tel.: +49-(0)89/720 12 735
Tel.: +39-055 500 21 74 ext. 204