On the Ground in East Africa: The People Behind the Progress
- May 27
- 4 min read
Galetech East Africa is part of the Galetech Group providing development support, technical advisory, project management & engineering services from project feasibility through to construction and operation.
Felix Semekete Opilli - General Manager, Galetech Group - East Africa
Felix Semekete Opilli is a results-driven project and program management professional with over a decade of experience across multilateral organizations, private and public sectors, and development agencies. He holds a Master’s in International Relations from United States International University (USIU). His expertise spans renewable energy infrastructure and inclusive policy reform, with a track record of translating complex commitments into measurable outcomes.
At Galetech Group - East Africa, Felix leads regional operations from Nairobi. He is responsible for fostering strategic partnerships, developing onshore wind and solar projects, and advancing Galetech's innovative work in producing synthetic e-Fuels. These carbon-neutral liquid fuels are created from renewable energy, water, and captured CO₂, targeting hard-to-decarbonize sectors like aviation.
Career Highlights:
Led multi-country renewable energy initiatives, including a waste-to-energy project to reduce gas emissions.
Represented various organizations in high-level meetings locally and internationally, influencing policy with senior government officials and private sector leaders.
Felix on Sustainable Development:
“Africa has the sun, the wind, and the land. With e-Fuels, we don't just export energy; we export opportunity, creating sustainable fuels that fly planes and move ships without fossil carbon.”
Michael Bermingham - Director,
e-Fuels
Michael Bermingham is a seasoned power generation expert with more than two decades of industry experience and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from University College Dublin. His career spans hands-on engineering roles and strategic consultancy across Ireland, Africa, and Asia.
At Galetech, Michael leads our e-Fuels strategy, focusing on identifying emerging opportunities worldwide - particularly in Ireland and Africa - and advancing our mission to transform renewable energy into sustainable liquid fuels.
Career Highlights:
14 years with ESB International, working with utilities across Ghana, Liberia, and the Philippines.
Early career at GE Panametrics, developing expertise in instrumentation and gas analysis.
Michael on e-Fuels:
“We’re taking renewable energy to its ultimate destination - producing liquid fuels from air and water.”
James Miringu - Project Development Associate, Galetech East Africa
James Miringu holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Dedan Kimathi University of Technology. He is part of the Galetech East Africa team, supporting the development of renewable energy and e-fuels projects across the region.
At Galetech East Africa, James contributes to technical assessments, local project analysis, and the coordination of key development activities to support efficient project delivery. He represents a growing generation of talent advancing green hydrogen and its derivatives in Africa.
Career Highlights:
• Contributing to early-stage development of e-fuels and green hydrogen projects in Kenya
• Internship at Kenya Power and Lighting Company, gaining practical exposure to power systems operations and grid dynamics
James on e-Fuels:
“e-Fuels unlock Kenya's vast renewable resources by making them transportable - turning local potential into globally tradable energy”
Herman Busschots - Senior Managing Director, Galetech e-Fuels
Herman Busschots has decades of experience in the energy sector, beginning his career in Belgium before moving to Ireland in the 1980s. Today, he leads Galetech’s international e-Fuels development.
At Galetech, Herman is spearheading groundbreaking projects in Kenya, including:
A 1GW electrolyser project in rural Kenya aimed at producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for European markets.
A coastal green ammonia project, supported by hydropower imports from Ethiopia, designed for easy export to international markets.
Herman on e-Fuels:
“The e-Fuels industry today reminds me of the early 1990s when Ireland’s wind sector was just beginning. Many doubted it would work, but look at it now. We believe e-Fuels are at the same turning point - and the timing is right to lead.”
Monicah Kibaki - Commercial Risk Advisor, Galetech Group
Six Sigma Master Black Belt (SSMBB) Professional with over a decade of Project Development and Investor Relations.
Green Energy & Infrastructure Projects:
o 230,000tpa Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, powered by 1.4 GW of Solar & Wind Captive Power, primarily targeting European Market.
o 50 MW 100% Green Data Center 4,000 full racks
o 80,000 m3 /day of water abstraction from an aquifer to boost water security to over 650,000 residents at the Kenyan Coast.
Policy & Climate Advocacy: 2019 UNGA/NY Climate Week Speaker at the UN HQ in NY, on the development of food-energy systems.
Agricultural Impact:
o Established an international non-profit that has planted over 3 million fertilizer leguminous shrubs through partners to boost food production.
o Successfully co-implemented a 6-month post-harvest loss pilot using Hermetic technology.
o Successfully co-developed Soil Acidity Management Program - adopted by Min. of Agri.
Social Impact:Private Sector Participant in the passing of the first KEBS standardiza
Monicah on the opportunity ahead:
“The abundant strong wind corridors, high solar irradiance, geothermal, ambient air feedstocks and a robust policy framework that is supported by international Strategic Partnerships and Policy; Kenya is set to become the primary regional hub for SAF by the mid-2030s.”
Looking Ahead
With this diverse and experienced team, Galetech is well positioned to lead in the development of e-Fuels and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. From technical innovation to commercial strategy, our people are driving change - we look forward to sharing the journey.
