The U.S. Department of Energy’s Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steven Winberg will take part in a session titled ‘The Energy Debate: Natural Gas vs. Renewables’ at Africa Oil Week Virtual on October 7, 2020.

As countries across Africa begin to commit to lowering carbon dioxide emissions, there is an ongoing discussion as to the more sustainable and economical route: natural gas or renewables?

“Africa is home to immense unconventional gas reserves, and they also have abundant renewable resources,” said Assistant Secretary Winberg. “It’s not about using one or the other; it’s about using both to expand energy opportunity and security across the continent. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with our African partners to develop and use resources across the energy spectrum—from natural gas to renewable energy—and discussions such as these are an important part of that collaboration.”

To explore this topic, the interactive Africa Oil Week Virtual session will engage energy experts who will discuss supply and demand forecasts, investment opportunities, infrastructure requirements and challenges, and the impact of COVID-19, as well as recent technology advancements across the two sectors.

The session will also include a 20 minute discussion featuring Assistant Secretary Winberg and Chief Development Officer Andrew Herscowitz of the International Development Finance Corporation. They will analyze the financial strategies and project partnerships that the U.S. government is able to leverage through the ‘Prosper Africa’ initiative. That initiative is intended to develop upstream exploration and production of natural gas and renewable power projects in various African countries. A 65 minute panel discussion with all participants will follow, including a Q&A opportunity for the audience.

This event will feature free content streamed online. To register, visit the Africa Oil Week website. For press inquiries, email Fossil Energy’s Office of Communications at fecommunications@hq.doe.gov.