Automated Shutdown on Demand: Technology, Effectiveness and Investor Expectations for Wind Energy Facilities in Africa and the Middle East
SLR will be attending the Africa Energy Forum (AEF 2026) in Cape Town from 16 – 19 June, with a delegation representing our teams across the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. In parallel, SLR has convened international lender ESG advisors, Shutdown on Demand (SDOD) technology providers, ornithologists, and renewable energy developers for an evening of insight, discussion and networking.
Join SLR and a panel of leading experts for a focused discussion on the role automated SDOD technologies in wind energy development, exploring current practice and emerging expectations.
The panel will unpack some of the following questions:
- What are the latest automated SDOD technologies?
- How effective are these technologies in reducing impacts on birds?
- How feasible are SDOD systems to implement, including cost considerations?
- To what extent are regulators and investors likely to require these technologies in the future?
Panellists:
The session will be facilitated by SLR’s Middle East & Africa Power Sector Lead, Stuart Heather-Clark. Stuart will be joined by the following panel of experts:
- Simon Hulka - IFC advisor on effects of wind energy projects on birds
- Luke Strugnell - Bioseco representative, South Africa
- Dirk van der Walt - IdentiFlight representative, South Africa
- Albert Froneman - Ornithologist at AfriAvian Environmental
- Kagiso Mthembu - Head of Environmental Performance, EDF
- Caryn du Rand - Head of ESG and Sustainability, G7 Renewable Energies
Attendance options
Attend the event in person (Rooftop on Bree, Cape Town):
Join remotely via Microsoft Teams:
If you are joining remotely, the panel discussion will take place from 17h30 - 18h30.
For those attending in-person, we look forward to welcoming you from 16h30 onwards for canapés, drinks, and networking at the impressive Rooftop on Bree, overlooking panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. The live panel discussion will commence at 17h30, with the evening concluding at approximately 21h00.
