CSI Energy Group, a diversified network of Africa-focused companies providing resilient solutions in the energy sector on the continent, has announced the promotion of Natacha Emilien as Deputy Group CEO of the company.
She previously held the position of Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. Mauritian, and based in Mauritius, Natacha Emilien leverages her experience and skills to positively impact the energy sector in Africa by using the strategic positioning of the country to meet the specific and diverse needs of the African continent. By traveling regularly across Africa, she ensures a close synergy between local expertise and global perspectives, thus embodying the bridge between Mauritius and Africa in the energy field. This strategic move underlines CSI Energy Group commitment to expanding its footprint in Kenya, a key market in the company’s African operations.
In her new role as Deputy Group CEO, Natacha Emilien will particularly focus on promoting a ‘just’ energy transition in Africa. This key concept, at the heart of CSI Energy Group’s mission, aims to balance economic imperatives with environmental needs and social justice. A ‘just’ energy transition not only involves a shift towards renewable and/or more sustainable energy sources but also prioritizes access to electricity in regions often lacking adequate infrastructure. A ‘just’ transition also benefits all layers of society more equitably, particularly small entrepreneurs and the most vulnerable communities. This includes access to energy at affordable rates, retraining and/or creating local jobs in new energy industries, and collaborating with female entrepreneurs as subcontractors in the group’s value chain.
With her extensive expertise and strategic vision, Natacha Emilien is ideally placed to lead this complex and essential transition for a sustainable energy future in Africa.
Building on its existing projects, CSI Energy Group also announces new initiatives that cater to Kenya’s unique energy landscape, focusing on geothermal and solar energy, looking to support Kenya’s vision of achieving reliable and sustainable energy for all.
The Group played a pivotal role in the civil, mechanical, and piping works at Olkaria, a flagship project that substantially contributes to Kenya’s power generation. Olkaria has been instrumental in producing about a quarter of Kenya’s electricity, extending its reach from Mombasa to the Uganda border. The addition of Olkaria 1 Unit 6 has been set to elevate Kenya’s geothermal power generation capacity to approximately 944 MW, aligning it with global leaders in geothermal energy.
CSI Energy Group involvement in the Olkaria project led to the creation of over 500 jobs and directly benefiting more than 2000 individual through other collaboration. This underlines the Group commitment to not only advancing energy solutions but also fostering economic growth and community development in Kenya. Looking ahead to 2024, CSI Energy Group is dedicated to further developing Kenya’s geothermal and solar potential through key projects.
