ENGIE is a global energy actor and expert in three fields: electricity, natural gas and energy services. Engie promotes responsible growth at the heart of its business in order to meet the great challenges of the energy transition towards a low carbon economy. On the occasion of the Salon Pollutec, IDM sought Amine Homman; CEO Engie North Africa to ask him some questions about his business in Morocco; including that related to energy efficiency.
You just signed a strategic partnership with the Moroccan leader NAREVA around some African markets. What does this partnership mean to you?
This signature marks the will of the two operators to combine their efforts and expertise in order to develop new power generation projects and energy services in North and West Africa, essential for its development. This agreement will allow us to accelerate the provision of innovative and sustainable energy solutions for the economic and social development of Africa.
What role does energy efficiency (EE) play in the ENGIE activities?
Energy efficiency is at the heart of Engie activities. The principle: to allow customers to optimize their energy consumption while ensuring a quality comparable or superior of services. ENGIE is expanding its range of products and services in the field of energy efficiency and energy services and is gradually launching into “smart” networks. We want to offer appropriate solutions to meet the challenges in the field of decentralized production, energy efficiency, “smart cities” and zero emission or digital solutions. In Africa, energy service activities of ENGIE are spread across the continent through several companies (Engie Cofely, Engie Ineo, Fabricom Cofely, Axima and Engie Endel), with an increased presence in Morocco and recently in Algeria.
Is there an EE component in your partnership with Nareva?
The partnership with Nareva concerns the development in Morocco and several countries in West Africa, a project of generation of electricity from renewable energies and natural gas. This partnership also includes an EE component.
What potential does energy efficiency represent for industrial activities?
Energy efficiency plays a valuable role in business competitiveness. More and more industrial groups commit their energy transition process with the implementation of energy efficiency measures that allow them to consume less and better. Following this trend, many industrial companies are out hunting for energy saving. For over 10 years, Cofely Morocco provides services including energy efficiency in its service contracts with industrial and service sectors. ENGIE through its subsidiary Cofely just won the first component of green Mosques program in Morocco, which aims to increase the energy performance of mosques in the Kingdom.
What will be the contribution of ENGIE at COP22 in Marrakech?
Just as the Group had invested heavily during the COP21 in Paris, Engie is official partner of the COP 22 and of the Steering Committee of the CGEM. We want to consolidate the key issues identified during the COP21 and maintain the momentum of commitments, including: continuing the mobilization of the spread of carbon price signals ¥; highlight the issue of access to energy and renewable energy development on the continent ¥; work in partnership with the African territories and companies to identify the best solutions and the steps to follow to allow their deployment ¥; strengthen actions to redirect funding towards the low-carbon investments and finally facilitate access to green financing by the economic actors who offer solutions and encourage innovation in the world of finance . Besides via Terrawatt Initiative ENGIE is committed to playing a leading role in the deployment of solar energy and to erase the disparities in access to energy through the solar deployment.Companies are part of the solution and are willing to invest but these require heavy investments in order to have a visible frame. We are glad of the recognition, especially during the COP21, the role played by non-state actors, including the business world, in the energy transition. Morocco is also a key country for the Group: the government encourages investment in renewable energy and natural gas, and focuses on energy efficiency, technological innovation and digitalization. Its ambition and vision is committed to the fight against global warming and therefore in line with our strategy and ambition.
How would you define the business model of your EE-related activities in North Africa?
The equation is simple. It is based on the performance outcome of the energy savings generated by targeted investments in appropriate and efficient energy facilities, but also through effective management and control of equipment and professionals through an engaging Energy Performance Contract. It is important to emphasize that the commitment of Engie to its customers on the basis of clear objectives is the key to this model.
Do you think that Moroccan industries are aware of the importance of EE?
Morocco has raised energy efficiency to a national priority in all economic and social sectors. This is undoubtedly one of the sectors in which Morocco needs to be innovative. The sectors most affected by energy consumption are mainly the construction, transport, public lighting and industry. Many large industries operating in various sectors have invested in energy efficiency, but the awareness of entrepreneurs should be expanded. Moroccan industrial companies should continue and increase the acquisition of a culture of energy management and further develop their “conscience” on environmental issues.
A question that we have forgotten to ask?
That of new contracts won by ENGIE in Morocco of course: Green Mosques Program and the energy renovation of 36 mosques. In a context of COP22 in November 2016 in Marrakech and after a bid to reduce the energy bill of the mosques in the Kingdom, ENGIE was selected for the first batch, as part of a consortium with its RIO partner (Reduce Invent Optimize). Moroccan company specializing in studies and projects in the water and energy economy, RIO offers turnkey solutions for reducing energy expenditure. For this contract, energy audits will be conducted on 36 mosques in Casablanca, Marrakesh and Agadir, as well as upgrade equipment of Efficient Lighting (LED), the establishment of electric meters and solar water heaters in order to reduce the energy bill. In addition, the signing of an energy performance contract with the SIE, guarantees a minimum 40% saving on energy bills, ensuring the maintenance and performance of energy facilities throughout the contract period of 5 years.
