Paul van Zijl, Group CEO at Starsight Energy has highlighted the significant opportunities presented by a deregulated power sector in key markets across Africa.
He emphasized that deregulation, when implemented correctly, can lead to an efficient, sustainable, and competitive renewable energy ecosystem in individual countries.
This shift towards deregulation is already underway in various African nations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are collaborating with local regulators and stakeholders to optimize natural resources for energy production.
The benefits of deregulation are consistent across different countries, offering revitalization of the power sector, increased opportunities for IPPs, more investment in local energy infrastructure, and improved accessibility to electricity and renewable energy at competitive prices for consumers.
Notable examples include Nigeria’s steps towards deregulation through the Electricity Act (2023), Kenya’s implementation of Open Access regulations, and South Africa’s innovations such as self-generation and electricity wheeling.
These developments are not only boosting generation capacity but also fostering collaboration between the private and public sectors. For instance, in South Africa, the rise of utility-scale solar farms and investments in low-carbon transition projects demonstrate the positive impact of deregulation.
IPPs are also contributing to the national grid by providing main transmission substations and implementing utility-scale battery storage to enhance energy reliability.
Starsight Energy, SolarAfrica, and Starsight Premier Energy Group are actively engaged in shaping the evolving energy landscapes in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa by collaborating with regulators, stakeholders, and industry players.
The ultimate goal is to create deregulated markets that benefit end consumers, drive economic growth, and foster cooperation between the private and public sectors.
The transformative impact of deregulation is expected to continue, with a focus on accelerating progress in key markets across Africa.
