Nawfal Saadi
Casablanca
Summary
Renewable energy and green fuel expert with 14 years of experience in the African and Middle Eastern renewable energy sector. Highly motivated and passionate about sustainable solutions, I possess an interdisciplinary background and excellent communication skills. Seeking new and exciting opportunities to apply my proven track record of success in navigating complex challenges and implementing innovative strategies that drive positive change in the industry.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Business Development - MENA
Scatec ASA
07.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded the development of the Egypt Green Hydrogen project, a flagship initiative including a 100 MW electrolyser, 200 MW wind, and 90 MW solar PV. Led the project to achieve FID and signed a groundbreaking Ammonia Purchase Agreement as part of winning the first global tender for Green Ammonia (H2 Global).
- Pioneered the development of the Damietta Green Hydrogen project with a 200 MW electrolyser, 340 MW wind, and 160 MW solar PV. Secured a Term Sheet Offtake Agreement, marking significant progress in commercial structuring.
- Directed strategic efforts in advancing a 1 GW Wind Project under a BOO scheme with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), underscoring Scatec’s commitment to renewable energy expansion.
- Established and maintained high-value relationships with government entities, local partners, and industry stakeholders across MENA.
- Contributed to Scatec’s green hydrogen strategy, reinforcing its position as a leader in renewable energy solutions.
- Championed renewable desalination and Power-to-X opportunities in Morocco.
- Enhanced Scatec's market presence by driving partnerships and navigating complex regulatory frameworks.
Business Development Manager
Enel Green Power Morocco
10.2019 - 07.2022
- Directed the origination and development of renewable energy projects across North Africa, with a strategic focus on Morocco and Tunisia.
- Delivered an 80 MW wind project in Guelmim, achieving dry financial close in December 2020. Oversaw partnership negotiations, secured financing, and led the business plan development and closing of corporate PPAs amounting to 340 GWh.
- Crafted and executed a comprehensive business development strategy for Morocco, encompassing brownfield and greenfield opportunities within concession and competitive markets.
- Conducted in-depth market intelligence, coordinated RfP responses, and optimized bid submissions to secure renewable energy project wins.
International Business Development Manager
Moroccan Agency For Sustainable Energy
02.2018 - 10.2019
- Forged and nurtured strategic partnerships in East Africa, positioning Masen as a key enabler of renewable energy development in Rwanda, Djibouti, Zambia, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
- Negotiated and executed Masen’s inaugural technical assistance contract for a dam hydropower project in Rwanda, valued at $10 million over five years, unlocking a 50 MW hydropower development opportunity.
- Secured and advanced a 50 MW Solar CSP project in Djibouti, leveraging local partnerships and regulatory frameworks.
- Pioneered the development of a 150 MW wind project in Zambia, leading feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, and project structuring.
- Coordinated submissions for Requests for Qualifications (RfQs) and led strategic engagements with government entities, IFIs, and private sector stakeholders.
Energy Analyst - Associate Researcher
University College London
09.2015 - 02.2018
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams across leading universities in the EU and UK to address climate research challenges, influencing EU policymaking and supporting the climate negotiation process through contributions to IPCC climate reports.
- Managed national and EU research projects assessing the socio-economic and environmental impacts of energy policy changes, such as subsidy and tax removal, on climate commitments.
- Supervised and mentored PhD and MSc students, fostering innovative approaches to energy systems analysis and sustainability research.
Energy Analyst - Associate Professional
International Renewable Energy Agency
08.2014 - 09.2015
- Worked with multidisciplinary teams to develop renewable energy roadmaps for the African power sector, supporting sustainable energy transitions across ECOWAS member states.
- Provided technical support to policy frameworks including the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy (EREP), National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAP), and National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAP).
- Contributed to international climate dialogue by gathering and analyzing energy project data for studies, informing high-impact reports for key governmental stakeholders and international organizations.
- Organized high-profile workshops and conferences, such as the International Energy Workshop in Abu Dhabi, engaging over 200 participants from global energy and policy sectors.
Energy Analyst - Associate Researcher
Royal Institute of Technology
01.2012 - 08.2014
- Managed various consultancy projects with special focus on renewable energies in Africa.
- Partnered with interdisciplinary teams on EU-funded projects to develop energy scenarios for East and Southern Africa, supporting the African Clean Energy Corridor initiative.
- Contributed to the African Energy Outlook 2014, co-developing energy scenarios that informed policy and investment decisions for Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Designed and implemented communication and outreach strategies for KTH's energy research division, enhancing the impact of technical insights on global energy policies.
Education
Executive Master in Business Develpment - Business Development For Renewable Energy
SDA Bocconi University (Joint Program With Enel)
Milan, Italy07-2022
Master of Science - Sustainable Technology
Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
Stockholm2013
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Technical University of Valencia (UPV)
2010
Skills
- Familiarity with Africa and MENA region
- Knowledge of renewable power generation project costs and technical fundamentals
- Knowledge of project agreements of RE and Green Fuel projects (PPAs/HPA/APAs, Financing Agreements, EPC agreements, Shareholder Agreements, Joint Development Agreements, Sales Purchase Agreements, EPC contracts)
- Excellent analytical and methodical skills
- Strong technical background (BSc and MSc in engineering)
- Demonstrated ability to upskill rapidly
- Fluent in 4 languages (English,French,Spanish,Arabic) with the ability to adapt to new situations
- Diplomacy and ability to compromise to reach agreement
Additional Information - Publications
- Jewell, J., McCollum, D., Emmerling, J., Saadi Failali, N., et al. Limited emission reductions from fuel subsidy removal except in energy-exporting regions. Nature 554, 229–233 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature25467
- Saadi, N., Miketa, A., Howells, M., 2015. African Clean Energy Corridor: Regional integration to promote renewable energy fueled growth. Energy Research & Social Science, Special Issue on Renewable Energy in Sub-Saharan Africa Contributions from the Social Sciences 5, 130–132.
- Miketa, A., Saadi Failali, N., Africa Power Sector: Planning and Prospects for Renewable Energy. IRENA report.
- Saadi, N., An open source approach to the Swedish Energy System.
- Edelenbosch, O.Y., van Vuuren, D.P., Bertram, C., Carrara, S., Emmerling, J., Daly, H., Kitous, A., McCollum, D.L., Saadi Failali, N., n.d. Transport fuel demand responses to fuel price and income projections: Comparison of integrated assessment models. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment.
- Planning for the renewable future: long-term modelling and tools to expand variable renewable power in emerging economies. International Renewable Energy Agency, 2017.
- Africa Energy Outlook: A focus on energy prospects in sub-saharan Africa. World Energy Outlook Special Report. International Energy Agency, 2014.
Timeline
Director Business Development - MENA
Scatec ASA
07.2022 - Current
Business Development Manager
Enel Green Power Morocco
10.2019 - 07.2022
International Business Development Manager
Moroccan Agency For Sustainable Energy
02.2018 - 10.2019
Energy Analyst - Associate Researcher
University College London
09.2015 - 02.2018
Energy Analyst - Associate Professional
International Renewable Energy Agency
08.2014 - 09.2015
Energy Analyst - Associate Researcher
Royal Institute of Technology
01.2012 - 08.2014
Executive Master in Business Develpment - Business Development For Renewable Energy
SDA Bocconi University (Joint Program With Enel)
Master of Science - Sustainable Technology
Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Technical University of Valencia (UPV)
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