Energy equipment manufacturing company GE Vernova caught up with Engineering News on the sidelines of Enlit Africa 2025 in Cape Town to discuss the role that GE Vernova plays in the global energy sector.

“GE Vernova supports the entire electricity value chain from generation to distribution, focusing on decarbonisation and electrification,” GE Vernova Grid Solutions commercial director for power transmission in sub-Saharan Africa Eric Amoussouga said during the interview, highlighting the profound impact of the company on Africa's energy landscape.

He emphasised GE Vernova's significant role on the African continent, citing that their technologies supply up to 45% of Africa's installed power generation capacity through diverse sources like hydro, wind and gas power. He emphasised the company's commitment to enhancing economic growth and community development across the continent, underscoring the indispensable nature of reliable energy for societal progress.

A standout achievement is GE Vernova's deployment of advanced software solutions in West Africa, Eastern Africa and Southern Africa, enabling cross-border energy exchanges and enhancing grid reliability. Amoussouga elaborated on GE Vernova’s pioneering work in digitalising infrastructure, citing the first fully digital high-voltage substation in Senegal as a milestone example. “This innovation not only modernises infrastructure but also enhances data capture and operational intelligence,” he pointed out.

Addressing the future of the power sector, Amoussouga underscored the transformative impact of smart grids and renewable energy integration, explaining how smart grid technologies manage energy flow intelligently across diverse renewable sources, “which is crucial for balancing demand and supply efficiently in Africa's challenging infrastructure landscape.”

Regarding manufacturing and partnerships, Amoussouga highlighted GE Vernova's comprehensive approach, involving both internal manufacturing capabilities and strategic collaborations. This strategy ensures a robust supply chain that supports their wide-ranging portfolio, from gas power to renewable-energy solutions.

He elaborated on GE Vernova's commitment to the energy transition, emphasising that it is more than a buzzword, outlining concrete steps, such as investing in research and development to adapt gas turbines for hydrogen use, thereby contributing to global efforts in decarbonisation efforts.

“This proactive stance positions GE Vernova as a key player in shaping a sustainable energy future, aligning our mission with broader environmental goals,” he said.

Amoussouga emphasised GE Vernova's adaptive approach, tailoring solutions to meet each African country's unique energy challenges. With a steadfast focus on innovation and sustainability, GE Vernova continues to lead Africa's energy revolution, driving economic empowerment and fostering inclusive development across the continent, he concluded.