Day 01 · 13:50 SAST
Underperforming assets
How design assumptions, maintenance and financing decisions can erode returns long after a solar plant starts generating.
Read the asset performance recapSpeaking & media
Dr Arthur Mangwende
Renewable-energy executive, independent consultant and speaker on African energy markets.
Based in Cape Town, Dr Arthur Mangwende brings more than 20 years of leadership and commercial experience to his work with developers, independent power producers and engineering partners across Africa. He speaks about the decisions that determine whether a solar or storage project can reach the grid, supply power when it is needed and earn a return.
01 / Conference engagementsCTICC, Cape Town
Solar & Storage Live
Cape Town 2026
Two panels explored different points in a solar project’s life. On day one, Arthur joined the discussion about lost revenue at operating plants. On day two, the panel considered what happens when a viable project cannot secure a grid connection.
Day 02 · 11:30 SAST
Grid access
How connection delays and network upgrade costs affect project finance, and where battery storage can help a constrained grid.
Read the grid access recap02 / Speaking themes
What Arthur
speaks about
Topics for conference panels, executive briefings and interviews.
- Grid access and project finance
- What happens to a project’s financing when the cost of a grid upgrade or the connection date is still uncertain?
- Solar asset performance
- Where does a plant lose revenue after commissioning, and which decisions can owners take early enough to protect it?
- Storage and reliable hybrid power
- How should wind, solar and batteries be sized and operated when a customer needs electricity at agreed hours?
- Developing African energy markets
- How do developers and their partners qualify an opportunity, select local partners and navigate procurement in different African markets?
03 / Selected contributions
Research & media
WindAc Africa
From Megawatts to Reliable Hybrid Power Across Africa
At WindAc Africa in Cape Town, Arthur presented his research on designing wind, solar and battery systems around contracted delivery hours. His presentation examined who takes responsibility for performance when several technologies share a grid connection.
View the organiser’s speaker listingEngineering News
Tariff increases might hinder SAREM
In Engineering News, Arthur discussed what import tariffs could mean for South African renewable-energy projects while local manufacturers build capacity.
Read the published coverageIndustry attendance Arthur also attended Windaba (6–7 October) and African Energy Week (12–16 October) in Cape Town in 2026.
04 / Speaking & media enquiries
Invite Arthur
to speak.
arthur@arthurmangwende.comPlanning a panel, keynote or interview? Share the topic, audience, date and venue or online format. For press enquiries, include your outlet and deadline.