By Ajong Mbapndah L
His youthful age stands in contrast to his interest, dynamism, and growing expertise in the energy sector. Originally from Angola, Eduardo Miranda the serving President of the Association of International Energy Negotiators Chapter at Houston Baptist University, sees cooperation as critical for Africa’s fight against energy poverty.
“Africa needs regional cooperation south–south and south–north, transferring innovations on existing renewable energy technologies through collaboration, prioritizing policy implementation, decentralizing energy systems. Electricity generation should be enabled, and energy resources should be diversified for improved security and sustainable development,” says Eduardo Miranda.
With a cursus that involves studies in Zimbabwe, Portugal, Harvard in the USA, and his current program at the Houston Baptist University, Eduardo says the exciting challenges in the African energy sector equally require a mix of talent and leadership. Living in Houston considered by many as the energy capital of the world and serving with a chapter of the Association of International Energy Negotiators are attributes that Eduardo Miranda thinks could help him eventually play a more resourceful role in Africa’s fight against energy poverty.
Could we get an introduction of the International Energy Negotiators and the Houston Baptist University Chapter that you lead?
The Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) is a professional membership association that supports international energy negotiators around the world. AIEN enhance the professionalism of cross-border energy negotiators throughout the world. It is now composed of roughly 3,000 members in more than 110 countries, representing numerous international oil and gas companies, host governments, law firms and academic institutions. AIEN members come from a variety of disciplines: commercial, technical, academic, and legal. Hence International Energy Negotiators in this area are therefore more a prototype of true international regulations; they help its member states to regulate better by providing model guidelines, collective and better regulatory intelligence and a forum of dialogue and collegiality.
As Houston Baptist University and the Archie Dunham College of Business moves forward in strengthening degree programs, one aspect of that process is providing students with opportunities to expand their professional business contacts and networks. This obviously goes beyond the classroom and the technical training students receive in their degree program. Regardless of the students program, it is always good to stress the importance of having mentors to help students continue their professional growth. One great way to develop student’s network of mentors and professional contacts is through professional societies. This is why it came into mind to form and found an AIEN chapter at Houston Baptist University.
How relevant is the Association of International Energy Negotiators in the modern-day global energy trends?
AIEN is a global organization supporting the full value chain for oil and natural gas operations. The Association hosts several quality events each year that provide networking opportunities and provide valuable educational programs and tools. In sum, the AIEN aims to help the international energy negotiator be better prepared to meet the challenges of today’s competitive global energy market.
AIEN has over 20 model contracts that are in extensive use throughout the industry. Since energy investments often require multiple partners, who are frequently based in different countries, having a set of model contracts designed for the international oil and gas industry improves the formation of business ventures.
Being a part of AIEN allows me to learn these model contracts and the learn from the people who developed these contracts.
What are some of the achievements recorded in your mandate so far?
During my mandate as the AIEN president at Houston Baptist University, My team & I have managed to recruit a great number of students/members at Houston Baptist University, and recently as AIEN president I managed to organize one event which is considered to be the one of the best young negotiating event of 2023 at Houston Baptist University. With great experts of the oil and gas industry who spoke about What it’s really like to be an international Lawyer or Negotiator in the Energy Industry, where I was the moderator of the event. This experience has taught me the importance networking and building a strong team because “no man is an island”.
In the long run our objective is to expand & recruit more people from all over the world.
As part of our strategic plan, we are planning to work together with other Houston Universities and host one huge AIEN event. With combined effort and collaboration, I believe this will be the best and well-organized event of 2024.
You are of Angolan background, what is your reading of the energy landscape there and across Africa?
Africa is a continent known for its incredible diversity and vast untapped potential. Africa, with its immense landscapes and rich natural resources presents a crucial energy scenario. It has some of the globe’s most abundant sources of renewable energy, including copious sunlight, wind, and geothermal potential alongside substantial oil and gas reserves.
The story of Africa’s energy sector is a captivating narrative woven together with challenges, resilience, and progress. The African continent faces a different exploration and production landscape. Armed with vast, untapped oil and gas resources, the ‘continent of tomorrow’ remains in need of technical and financial capacity to fully leverage its hydrocarbon wealth. As a result, of Africa’s 1.4 billion people an estimated 600 million, nearly half of Africa’s population, lack access to electricity and 900 million lack access to clear cooking solutions. Without new investment, the energy poverty will only increase which pushes down economic development opportunity in countries that are poised to develop quickly. I believe that young, talented business leaders will be able to rise up to become problem solvers in the African continent by unlocking and nurturing their creative potential.
How can the lessons and experiences garnered with your membership and leadership role with the International Energy negotiators be put to use in helping Angola and Africa improve on its energy fortunes?
Africa needs regional cooperation south–south and south–north, transferring innovations on existing renewable energy technologies through collaboration, prioritizing policy implementation, decentralizing energy systems. Electricity generation should be enabled, and energy resources should be diversified for improved security and sustainable development. Developing proper planning of renewable energy, good governance, strategic investments in energy infrastructure is also recommended. Proper design of mini on- or off-grid solar plants, wind plants, accurate and economical energy management system for different sources of energy, Proper cooling of the solar plant, and fabrication of solar modules with better efficiency can be recommended to enhance the reliability and sustainability of energy generation.
What can African learn from the city of Houston is considered as the energy capital of the world ?
Home to more than 500 oil and gas exploration and production firms, Houston has long been recognized as the energy capital of the world, with Texas producing over 40% of the U.S.’ crude oil and 25% of its marketed natural gas. The largest energy companies in the world call Houston home. “Houston is the headquarters and the intellectual capital for nearly every energy industry segment. We take pride in our abundance of human and technical resources in exploration, production, transmission, marketing, supply, and new technology to lead the energy transition. And the Houston region remains at the forefront of foreign investment in the energy sector.
Houston based companies have vast international experience and the technology and project management expertise to implement the challenging energy projects.
You have studied in Zimbabwe, Portugal, and other institutions in the USA, Harvard before your current institution, what plans for the future?
Education does not only transform people; it transforms the world. Hence, I am a strong believer in evolving and transformation. I have always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. Despite all my accomplishments so far, l still believe that there are vast opportunities in the oil and gas field, and I am very keep to explore them since I am still a work in progress. Surely more greater achievements are expected in the future.
*Culled From December Issue Of PAV Magazine
