We speak with Conrad Oakey, CEO of NovaTech Automation, about the structural challenges facing power systems as electricity demand accelerates across the United States and globally.

The conversation explores how rapid load growth — driven by data centers, electrification, and digital infrastructure — is colliding with grid constraints, legacy operational models, and slow-moving regulatory frameworks. Conrad explains why the issue is not simply one of generation capacity, but of coordination, visibility, and system intelligence across transmission, distribution, and operations.

A central theme of the discussion is the growing gap between how fast energy demand is evolving and how slowly grid infrastructure and utility processes can adapt.

Peter O'Kelly, CEO of Costec Systems, discussed the reality of the electricity mix, asserting that coal and fossil fuels remain essential for global reliability and affordability in the absence of proven alternatives.

He argued that policies accelerating coal phase-outs without scalable solutions are irresponsible, noting that reliance on intermittent sources forces existing thermal plants into uneconomic, unreliable operation.

O'Kelly concluded that decisions regarding the energy trilemma (Reliability, Sustainability, Cost) must prioritize technical expertise and paramount reliability

“Superman, Batman, or Black Panther are not coming to help with African Energy availability,” says NJ Ayuk (Executive Chairman at African Energy Chamber).

Ayuk delivers a blistering critique of foreign aid dependency and broken promises, arguing that Africa must seize control of its energy future.

“We need energy additions to move economies and lift 600 million people out of darkness.”

Don't miss this essential, frank debate on why external climate agendas pose a serious danger to African sovereignty and development