Technology on its Own Isn’t Enough” – 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Modern gas turbines, especially in combined cycle setups, are incredibly efficient and reliable. They provide the flexibility needed to balance the grid, ensuring there’s always power available when renewables can’t deliver. Compared to alternatives like reciprocating engines, gas turbines also have significant environmental advantages—they use less lubricant and produce far fewer nitrogen oxides, which makes them a cleaner choice for meeting energy demand.

Looking ahead, gas-to-power projects are about more than just filling today’s energy gaps. They’re also an essential stepping stone toward a net-zero future. For instance, Siemens Energy is already designing gas turbines that can run on hydrogen, which is a completely clean fuel. Right now, our turbines can operate with up to 70% hydrogen, and we’re working to make them 100% hydrogen-ready by 2030. That means the gas plants we’re building today can transition to fully green fuels in the future, ensuring they remain a vital part of the energy mix without contributing to emissions.

In the long run, we see gas power plants as a key piece of a renewable-based energy system. They provide the reliability and dispatchable power needed to stabilize the grid, while also paving the way for a future where those same plants can run on clean hydrogen. It’s all about creating an energy system that’s not only sustainable but also adaptable to the needs of future generations.

Are there any green hydrogen projects on the horizon?

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, and it requires building an entire ecosystem from scratch. Things like legislation, offtake agreements, and standardization all need to be developed and agreed upon. It’s a complex process, and understandably, it’s taken some time for the market to fully grasp the challenges and figure out how to overcome them.

Looking ahead, I think the next two to five years will be pivotal. We’re on the brink of seeing the first sizable green hydrogen projects in the region—those in the range of 50 to 200 MW. What’s particularly exciting is that many of these early projects are focused on local offtake, meaning they’ll produce hydrogen-based products for use right here in the region. This not only reduces dependency on imports but also creates jobs and strengthens local economies.

There’s still work to be done, but the momentum is there, and I’m confident that East Africa is positioned to become a leader in green hydrogen innovation. It’s a space to watch, and Siemens Energy is committed to supporting the development of this transformative sector.

What are you most looking forward to, and what would you like to see come out of conversations at the East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (EA-ECS)?

What excites me most about EA-ECS is the opportunity it creates for collaboration. The energy transition is a challenge no single organization or government can tackle alone—it requires everyone, from policymakers to private sector leaders, to come together and work toward shared solutions. Events like this are critical because they act as catalysts, bringing the right people into the room to move projects forward and unlock new possibilities.

I’m especially looking forward to the open conversations that happen at these summits. They’re a chance to put all the challenges we face on the table—whether it’s financing, infrastructure, or policy—and tackle them collectively. It’s not just about sharing ideas but finding real, actionable solutions that can benefit not just the energy sector, but also the communities and industries that depend on it.

At the heart of it, the goal is to drive meaningful progress—progress that’s fair, sustainable, and inclusive. It’s about making sure that as we transition to greener energy, we’re also fostering social and industrial development in a way that benefits everyone. That’s the kind of impact I’m hoping to see come out of this summit, and I’m optimistic that the conversations we’ll have will pave the way for just that.