April 2025
The Silicon Leaders Excellence in The Spotlight
The Most
Influential
Engy Leads to Watch in 2025
Sustainability How Future Energy Trends are Transforming the Energy Sector Driving Innova on The Role of Renewable Energy Pioneers Herta von Stiegel Founder & CEO Ariya Capital Group
Hta
von
Stiel
Transforming Africa's Energy Landscape
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
Editor’s Desk
Lighting the Way
W
elcome to The Silicon Leaders special edition of The Most Influential Energy Leaders to Watch in 2025. As the world stands at the intersection of innovation and urgency in addressing climate change, energy leadership has never been more critical. This edition celebrates the trailblazers who are redefining how we think about, produce, and consume energy-visionaries driving the global transition toward a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future. In curating this list, we looked beyond titles and companies. We sought individuals who are leading meaningful change—whether through groundbreaking technologies, bold policy advocacy, or transformative business models. These leaders are not only navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving energy
landscape but are also inspiring action and accountability in their or]ganizations and communities. From renewable energy pioneers to grid modernization champions, from emerging market innovators to seasoned executives steering global strategy, each profile in this edition tells a story of leadership fueled by purpose, expertise, and a deep commitment to sustainability. As you explore these pages, we hope you’ll be as inspired as we are by the determination, ingenuity, and impact of this year’s honorees. Their work reminds us that the energy transition isn’t a distant goal, it’s happening now, powered by people who dare to think differently. Happy Reading!
e n y a W l e a h c i M
CONTENTS
08
Cover Story
Hta
von
Stiel
Transforming Africa's Energy Landscape
Art icles
16 20
Sustainability How Future Energy Trends are Transforming the Energy Sector
Driving Innovation The Role of Renewable Energy Pioneers
CREDITS Editor-in-Chief
Merry D'Souza
Deputy Editor
James Taylor
Executive Editor Assistant Editor Visualizer Excellence in The Spotlight
The Silicon Leaders
Art & Design Director
Jamie Carlson Michael Wayne David King Reva Adams
Associate Designer
Dave Stonis
Senior Sales Manager
James Saw
Marketing Manager Technical Head SME-SMO Executive Business Development Manager Sales Executives
John Matthew Patrick Beretta Sandy Madison Dave Morgan David, Joe
Business Development Executives
Steve, Simon
Digital Marketing Manager
Dominique T.
Research Analyst
Frank Adams
Circulation Manager
Robert Brown
Database Management
Stella Andrew
Technology Consultant
David Stokes
[email protected] April, 2025
Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/TheSiliconLeaders/
We are also available on :
Copyright © 2025 The Silicon Leaders, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from The Silicon Leaders. Reprint rights remain solely with The Silicon Leaders.
Featured Person
Company Name
Adriana Reais Pinto Board Member
Águas do Tejo Atlântico
Armando Santos Global Partner - Head of Energy
QUADRANTE Group quadranteglobal.com/en
An energy sector innovator with global experience, leveraging partnerships to advance renewable energy technologies and drive sustainable infrastructure projects.
Frank Spencer Board Member
South African Photovoltaic Industry Association sapvia.co.za
A seasoned advisor with deep insights into corporate governance, fostering organizational growth and contributing to strategic initiatives across diverse industries.
Herta von Stiegel Founder & CEO
Ariya Capital www.ariyacapital.com
A visionary leader in sustainable energy investments, she has transformed Africa's energy landscape through clean, scalable solutions and extensive global finance expertise
Kelebogile Mokomane Senior Technical Advisor Ntuthuko Ngcamu Head of Water Demand Management
www.aguasdotejoatlantico.adp.pt
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
www.giz.de/de uMngeni-uThukela Water umngeni-uthukela.co.za
Brief An influential strategist with a strong background in governance, contributing to impactful decision-making in diverse sectors through her board-level expertise.
A technical expert specializing in innovative solutions for social and environmental challenges, with a focus on sustainable development and community upliftment. A water management specialist dedicated to optimizing resource efficiency and driving impactful initiatives to address water scarcity and sustainability challenges.
C O V E R S T O R Y
Herta von Stiegel Founder & CEO Ariya Capital Group
Hta
von
Stiel
Transforming Africa's Energy Landscape
“
“
Ariya Capital differentiates itself by building businesses that address the needs of commercial and industrial clients, offering attractive alternative investment products to institutional investors, and having a team of execution-oriented finance, development, and asset management experts who live and work in Africa.
The Most Influential Energy Leaders to Watch in 2025
"Passion for sustainable investment drives impactful change.”
mining, and growth in most commercial and industrial sectors.
H
While her vision for the continent has not changed, it has become more realistic in terms of what is achievable on a continent where challenges and opportunities are experienced in equal measures. Herta's journey reflects her commitment to making a significant impact on Africa's development through strategic investments in the energy sector.
erta von Stiegel's journey into establishing Ariya Capital was inspired by her successful investment banking career in New York and London. She began to focus on Africa as the next big destination for growth and sustainable investment. The fundamental question she posed was: “What are the consumer-led growth industries we should invest in that are at the core of poverty alleviation?”
Differentiating Ariya Capital She concluded that energy was one of the key sectors that was severely underinvested in and, hence, presented a serious impediment to attracting manufacturing, sustainable mining, and growth in most commercial and industrial sectors. While her vision for the continent has not changed, it has evolved and become more realistic in terms of what is achievable on a continent where challenges and opportunities are experienced in equal measures. Herta's journey reflects her commitment to making a significant impact on Africa's development through strategic investments in the energy sector. Herta recognized that Africa is an immense, underserved energy market requiring investment of over USD 25 billion annually. Ariya Capital differentiates itself by building businesses that address the needs of commercial and industrial clients, offering attractive alternative investment products to institutional investors, and having a team of execution-oriented finance, development, and asset management experts who live and work in Africa. This approach has positioned Ariya Capital as a key player in the African energy market, driving growth and development through strategic investments. Herta's leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the company's success and impact. Establishing Ariya Capital Herta’s journey into establishing Ariya Capital was inspired by her successful investment banking career in New York and London. She began to focus on Africa as the next big destination for growth and sustainable investment. The fundamental question she posed was: “What are the consumer-led growth industries we should invest in that are at the core of poverty alleviation?” She concluded that energy was one of the key sectors that was severely underinvested in and, hence, presented a serious impediment to attracting manufacturing, sustainable
Herta recognized that Africa is an immense, underserved energy market requiring investment of over USD 25 billion annually. “Ariya Capital differentiates itself by building businesses that address the needs of commercial and industrial clients, offering attractive alternative investment products to institutional investors, and having a team of execution-oriented finance, development, and asset management experts who live and work in Africa.” This approach has positioned Ariya Capital as a key player in the African energy market, driving growth and development through strategic investments. Herta's leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the company's success and impact. Her ability to identify and address the unique needs of the African market has set Ariya Capital apart from its competitors. Defining Success For Herta, success means living an integrated, purposeful life, both personally and professionally. “I believe that everything rises and falls on leadership and my aim is to be an effective leader who brings out the best in my team, investors, and broader stakeholders.” Herta addresses several key principles in her book “The Mountain Within – Leadership Lessons and Inspiration for your Climb to the Top,” such as choosing to persevere, hanging on to your vision, dividing your journey into steps, investing in your legacy, not compromising on quality, placing mission before ego, and keeping your winning team strong. These principles guide her decision-making as the CEO of Ariya Capital and reflect her commitment to leading with integrity and purpose. Adapting to Challenges Ariya Capital is dedicated to forging resilient and agile pathways toward a net-zero future for Africa, inspired by
“
I believe that everything rises and falls on leadership and I aim to be an effective leader who brings out the best in my team, investors, and broader stakeholders.
“
“
It is difficult to achieve what you cannot see and I aim to provide light along the path for younger generations by sharing my failures and successes. My goal is to encourage women to keep climbing and not give up, despite the challenges they may face.
the speed, focus, and adaptation of the cheetah. Herta emphasizes the importance of speed and scale in a sector that has been very slow and fragmented. Ariya Capital aims to be the investment and power partner of choice for African and Western institutional investors and to build profitable businesses of scale to break the cycle of energy poverty. Her forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation position Ariya Capital to adapt to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the financial industry. Her vision for the future is centered on creating sustainable and impactful solutions for Africa's energy needs. Measuring Impact Herta defines success for Ariya Capital beyond financial returns by measuring the company's impact in terms of social, environmental, and community-driven outcomes. As developers of and investors in clean and renewable energy assets across Africa, Ariya Capital is committed to generating attractive risk-adjusted returns while making a positive impact on the environment. The company adheres to well-established sustainability principles, including the Equator Principles and alignment with the NetZero Asset Managers Initiative. Ariya Capital's
corporate purpose aligns with five of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including strong female leadership, economic growth through lower energy costs, sustainable job creation, and positive environmental impact. Herta's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is at the core of Ariya Capital's mission. Inspiring Future Leaders Herta is dedicated to inspiring future generations of business leaders, particularly women in finance. She believes “It is difficult to achieve what you cannot see and I aim to provide light along the path for younger generations by sharing my failures and successes. My goal is to encourage women to keep climbing and not give up, despite the challenges they may face.” She emphasizes the importance of strong female leadership in creating a sustainable, peaceful future for the next generations. Herta's dedication to mentorship and leadership development reflects her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable business environment. Her efforts to inspire and support future leaders are a testament to her belief in the power of diversity and inclusion. Personal and Professional Achievements Among Herta’s major personal achievements are her joyful marriage to her husband Hans, staying true to her beliefs and principles under challenging circumstances, and always being willing to lend a helping hand to her family, friends, and the wider community. Professionally, she has reinvented herself from a corporate lawyer to an investment banker to an entrepreneur, built and led structured finance businesses in New York and London, moved to Nairobi to build Ariya Capital into an impactful energy business, earned doctoral and post-graduate degrees, and served on major boards of listed and unlisted companies in Europe, the US, and Africa. Herta would like to be remembered as a savvy, brave businesswoman who conducted her business affairs with joy, integrity, and resilience for the benefit of all her stakeholders. Nurturing Future Leaders Herta strongly believes in leading by example. She understands that “People may forget what I said, but they will remember how I made them feel. I believe in finding the most talented people and incentivizing them through
ownership stakes in various businesses to grow and create value. It’s a bit like finding eagles and then fly in formation.” She encourages resilience, agility, and integrity as the key pillars for success. Herta's approach to nurturing future leaders within Ariya Capital involves providing guidance, support, and opportunities for growth. Her mentorship and leadership advice are tailored to the needs of each individual, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their careers. Measuring Fulfillment Herta measures fulfillment based on the positive impact she makes. In business, she looks for return on equity but is equally focused on return on impact. She asks herself how many people she can touch in a positive way, whether she has eased someone's load, offered a word of encouragement, and whether the people around her are better off because she is in their orbit. This focus translates beautifully into her work at Ariya Capital and as a non-executive director. Herta aims to ensure that Ariya and the companies where she holds leadership roles serve their clients with integrity, return a meaningful profit to shareholders, and have a positive impact on society. Leading with Purpose
“
“
People may forget what I said, but they will remember how I made them feel. I believe in finding the most talented people and incentivizing them through ownership stakes in various businesses to grow and create value. It’s a bit like finding eagles and then fly in formation.
Herta advises others to lead with purpose and create a positive, long-lasting impact in their industries, to embrace resilience and courage. She emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself, as life often feels like a series of sprints rather than a marathon. Herta believes in surrounding oneself with positive people who encourage and hold them accountable. Her advice reflects her belief in the power of resilience, integrity, and collaboration in achieving lasting success. Her journey and leadership philosophy serve as an inspiration for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in their industries and communities.TSL
How Future Energy Trends are Transforming the Energy Sector
16
The Silicon Leaders
Sustainability
T
he energy sector is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by a confluence of technological advancements, sustainability goals, and evolving global priorities. As the world grapples with climate change, energy security, and economic growth, the push for cleaner, more efficient energy systems has never been more urgent. At the heart of this transformation are three key trends: the rise of renewable energy, the integration of hydrogen as a clean fuel, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing energy systems. This article highlights these innovations are driving the future of energy and transforming the global energy landscape. Rise of Renewable Energy One of the most significant factors driving the rise of renewable energy is the dramatic decline in the cost of renewable technologies. Over the past decade, the costs of solar and wind power have fallen by more than 80%, making them competitive, and in many cases cheaper, than fossil fuelbased energy sources. The affordability of renewable energy has been driven by advancements in technology, economies of scale, and improvements in manufacturing efficiency. Solar panels and wind turbines are becoming more efficient, with new innovations like bifacial solar panels and floating offshore wind turbines pushing the boundaries of energy capture and production. These technological advancements have increased the viability of renewable energy even in less optimal locations, enabling countries and companies to expand their renewable energy capacity rapidly. Another major transformation brought about by renewable energy is the potential for greater energy security and independence. Fossil fuel resources are finite, and their extraction is often subject to geopolitical instability and fluctuating prices. Renewable energy, on the other hand, is abundant, sustainable, and locally available. Solar and wind energy, in particular, can be harnessed in almost any region of the world, reducing the reliance on imported energy resources. For many countries, this shift to renewable energy offers an opportunity to diversify their energy sources and reduce their dependence on fossil fuel imports. For instance, the European Union has been pushing for energy independence through the development of renewable energy sources and cross-border energy integration. The transition to renewable energy is not just an environmental shift; it is also an economic one. The renewable energy sector is a significant job creator, with millions of people already employed in industries such as solar panel manufacturing, wind turbine construction, and energy storage development. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has reported that the renewable energy sector employs more people globally than fossil fuels, and this trend is expected to continue as renewable technologies expand. In addition to creating jobs in manufacturing and 17 | April 2025 |
construction, renewable energy is also driving innovation in research and development, project financing, and energy services. New business models, such as distributed energy generation and energy-as-a-service, are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to participate in the energy transition. Role of Hydrogen in the Future Energy Landscape One of hydrogen’s most compelling features is its ability to produce clean energy. When used as a fuel, hydrogen generates only water vapor as a byproduct, making it one of the cleanest energy carriers available. Unlike fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned, hydrogen offers a zero-emission alternative that can help decarbonize sectors that are difficult to electrify. Hydrogen's most significant roles in the future energy landscape is its potential to decarbonize sectors that are challenging to electrify directly. These include heavy industry, long-haul transportation, and hightemperature processes. Hydrogen plays a critical role in solving one of the biggest challenges of renewable energy: intermittency. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are not always available when demand is high, creating the need for energy storage solutions. Hydrogen can act as a versatile energy storage medium, allowing excess electricity from renewables to be converted into hydrogen through electrolysis. This hydrogen can then be stored and used as a fuel when needed, either in power generation or for other uses, such as transportation. As hydrogen technology continues to advance, it is expected to play a central role in reshaping global energy markets. Hydrogen’s versatility as a fuel and energy carrier positions it as a key component of the global energy transition, capable of serving a range of sectors from industry to transport and power generation. Its ability to be produced locally from renewable resources also makes it a valuable tool for energy independence, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. International trade in hydrogen is expected to increase, with countries rich in renewable energy resources, such as Australia and Chile, exporting green hydrogen to energyhungry regions. Artificial Intelligence and the Digitalization of Energy AI-driven systems can analyze vast amounts of data from renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to enhance their efficiency. For example, AI
18
The Silicon Leaders
algorithms can predict energy production patterns based on weather forecasts and historical data, allowing utilities to optimize grid integration by forecasting energy availability. This predictive capability ensures that renewable energy sources are efficiently incorporated into the grid, reducing the reliance on fossil-fuel-based energy sources. AI also helps optimize energy consumption patterns. With AIpowered energy management systems, businesses and consumers can monitor real-time energy usage, identify inefficiencies, and adjust consumption to reduce costs and carbon emissions. For instance, smart homes equipped with AI-based devices can adjust heating, cooling, and lighting systems based on usage patterns and occupancy, significantly lowering energy wastage. AI is accelerating the transition to a renewable energy future by addressing the technical challenges of integrating large-scale renewable energy sources into existing energy systems. As more countries and regions adopt ambitious renewable energy targets, the demand for technologies that can manage the variability and complexity of renewable generation is increasing. Machine learning and AI algorithms are increasingly being used to predict fluctuations in renewable energy output and identify patterns in energy production from solar and wind farms. As AI and digital technologies advance, they are also helping to shape energy policy and market design. AI can be used to model energy systems and simulate different scenarios, providing policymakers with data-driven insights into the impact of various energy strategies. This can help governments design more effective energy policies that promote sustainability, reduce emissions, and encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies. Moreover, AI enables the creation of more flexible energy markets. As the demand for renewable energy grows, AI can facilitate dynamic pricing, where energy prices are adjusted in realtime based on supply and demand conditions. Conclusion The future of the energy sector is being redefined by the convergence of renewable energy advancements, the rise of hydrogen as a clean energy solution, and the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence. As renewable energy technologies continue to become more affordable and efficient, they are fostering a shift toward cleaner, more sustainable energy systems while enhancing energy security and independence. As governments, industries, and consumers continue to embrace these transformative solutions, the future of energy looks brighter, more sustainable, and increasingly integrated into a global, lowcarbon economy. | April 2025 |
The Role of Renewable Energy Pioneers
R
enewable energy visionaries have been a revolutionary force that has reshaped the world's energy landscape, initiated innovation, and constructed sustainable cultures. The innovators did not just bring new technologies, but they have also re-conditioned the human mind towards living sustainably to clean and green the world. A Historical Overview The history of renewable energy dates back centuries ago, and the pioneers long ago have already been tapping natural forces to generate energy. Hydropower, for example, has been more than a century or even centuries old as a means of harnessing flowing water to generate mechanical power. Wind power, meanwhile, has progressed from simple windmills to advanced turbines that can generate plenty of electricity. Solar energy too has a history, and the invention of photovoltaic cells brought the break of dawn to harnessing the sun as an unrelenting source of power. Such initial success stories paved the way for setting the stage for the next generation of visionaries for the next age to leverage such developments further to make them more efficient and affordable for public use. Renewable Energy Visionaries Today Renewable energy innovators have transformed the industry in recent decades with smart technology and visionary leadership. Businessmen who envisioned electric vehicles, solar panels, windmills, and storage facilities educated the world on how seamlessly renewable energy can fit into life. These innovations pushed clean energy to the edge of becoming ubiquitous at reasonable prices, diverting the world from fossils.
20
The Silicon Leaders
Driving Innovation
21 | April 2025 |
The inventors of renewable energy have had the enthusiasm long enough to increase wind energy by the creation of offshore wind farms that produce a lot of clean energy. Others have been working on the efficiency and cost of solar panels, therefore, their use in the urban environment as well as rural areas. These entrepreneurs provide an example of how entrepreneurship and technological innovation can come together to provide solutions that transform lives and the world in general. Lessons Learned from Renewable Energy Innovators Renewable energy innovators did well on a number of best practices: •
•
•
•
Investment in Research and Development (R&D): Continuous investment in R&D has been the key theme for renewable energy technology development. As a result of innovation focus, these innovators have increased efficiency and scalability. Policy Engagement and Advocacy: Most of the leaders have been proactively engaging policymakers in advocacy for facilitation policies towards the adoption of renewable energy. Their action has resulted in subsidies, tax credits, and policy support for clean energy development. Adaptation to Market Trends: The leaders in the renewable energy sector have been seen to be sensitive to shifts in market trends. Trend forecasting places them ahead of time, and therefore their innovations are current and effective. Collaboration and Partnerships: The collaboration between the stakeholders—governments, businesses, and societies—has played an important role in spreading renewable projects throughout the world. This approach renders innovations available to everyone and takes care of several needs.
Through what they accomplish to lower the reliance on green gas and fossil fuels, the inventors assist in lowering climate change. Their endeavors also assist in achieving economic growth through the establishment of job opportunities in clean energy industries as well as through obtaining energy independence. In addition, their innovations also solve such pressing issues as energy poverty. Building photovoltaic systems and distributed mini grids provide electricity to remote villages, improve the standard of living, and help stimulate the economy. Looking Ahead As the globe becomes increasingly focused on a low-carbon economy, the efforts of renewable energy pioneers continue to be as pertinent today as ever before. New technology such as hydrogen fuel cells and battery storage deliver even more solutions. And yet, further campaigns for sustainable policy will continue to place renewable energy on the front pages of global agendas. Plainly, renewable energy visionaries are not inventors in the classical sense—but visionaries who make a sustainable world. Through vision and persistence, they give us hope that humanity can progress, and nature conservation be made compatible. Theirs is the legacy that teaches us that big ideas and stubborn persistence can change the world for the better.
Challenges Facing Pioneers Even with success, renewable energy inventors have experienced mammoth setbacks. The cost of future technological development may discourage large-scale use. Second, opposition from entrenched fossil fuel interests and volatile policy structures may discourage advances. These hurdles have had the potential to foster greater creativity and tenacity in inventors. Impact on Global Sustainability The endeavors of renewable energy inventors go beyond the technical realm; they intrude into the goals of world sustainability. 22
The Silicon Leaders
| April 2025 |
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”
TSL The Silicon Leaders Excellence in The Spotlight
