Features | Electrical Power Generation & Transmission

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Electrical Power Generation and Transmission

Track busways more efficient than traditional systems

19th April 2024 Electrical and digital specialist Legrand avers that its track busway system is an efficient and flexible alternative to traditional power distribution systems that lack flexibility in adapting to changes. Legrand states that a reliable and flexible power distribution system is an essential... →

AfDB president calls for political will to kick-start Inga 3 project

19th April 2024 Development finance institution African Development Bank (AfDB) group president Dr Akinwumi Adesina has called for a major political commitment to kick-start construction work on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC’s) giant Inga 3 dam, which has the potential to meet the power needs of more... →

Mini-substations, transformers supplied to DRC

19th April 2024 With its experience in Africa and its agility in executing projects rapidly, electrical equipment supplier Trafo Power Solutions is supplying three mini-substations and two transformers to a copper/zinc mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen states... →

The above image depicts one of the three mini-substations by Trafo Power Solutions which are in an IP54 configuration – ensuring that the units are completely sealed from dust and water that could occur in the copper/zinc mine

NO ENTRY Trafo Power Solutions designed three mini-substations in an IP54 configuration, ensuring that the units are completely sealed from dust and water

Energy grid impedes excess power transmission

By: Lynne Davies 19th April 2024 South Africa’s current electricity transmission grid is generally constrained in the Cape provinces and unable to facilitate the connection of new utility-scale generation including that from solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind, says wind and solar energy facility developer JUWI Renewable Energies.... →

The above image depicts one of the solar plants engineered by JUWI

Photo by JUWI
REACHING LIMITS According to JUWI with the introduction of large-scale solar and wind in the cape provinces, the power flow of the national electricity transmission infrastructure, is being reversed. The network was not designed to achieve this, resulting in the installed capacity reaching its limits

Kenyan plant to be enhanced

19th April 2024 Japan-based energy and power generation company Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS) announced last month that it had received an order from SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Company for steam turbines and generators for the geothermal power plant equipment renovation... →

The above image depicts the old Olkari I geothermal power plant in Kenya

Photo by Toshiba
INCREASED POWER OUTPUT The renovation of units one through three at the old 45 MW Olkari I geothermal power plant in Kenya will increase the power output of 15 MW to 21MW each, with less steam

Reshaping power transmission with renewable energy integration

19th April 2024 In an era marked by escalating climate concerns and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, the power transmission landscape is witnessing a profound revolution. At the forefront of this transformation is the increasing integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind... →

Smart grid can mitigate system challenges

By: Nadine Ramdass 21st April 2023 The integration of smart technology can ensure reliability and efficiency of the country’s electricity grid. A smart grid system will be able to effectively manage challenges associated with current electricity distribution systems such as maintenance and breakdowns. The life span of electricity... →

An image of the Strategic National Smart Grid Vision for the South African Electricity Supply Industry launch

VISION LAUNCH Smart technology can ensure reliability and efficiency of the electricity grid

Smart grid offers benefits for all stakeholders

By: Nadine Ramdass 21st April 2023 Implementing a smart grid system in South Africa offers a range of benefits for power generators, electric utilities, customers and society, says UP specialist energy industry consultant Dr Willem de Beer. He adds that a smart grid system can also alleviate many of the challenges municipalities... →

An image of electricity poles potentially connected to a smart grid

INTEGRATED TECH Smart grids allow for the integration of new, intermittent power sources and distributed generation

Energy storage a short-term solution

21st April 2023 Energy storage, and how it can be integrated into the energy distribution mix and contribute to electricity stability in South Africa, needs to be considered as a short-term solution, says solar energy equipment supplier ZRW Mechanika MD Kamalluddien Parker. South Africa needs to consider... →

Cast resin transformers show significant benefits

22nd April 2022 Electrical and digital building infrastructure specialist Legrand’s range of cast resin transformers (CRT) has been designed for high-efficiency, enhanced safety and low environmental impact during energy distribution in diverse applications. Typical installations include data centres, shopping... →

Delaying projects puts pressure on limited skills

By: Anna Moross 22nd April 2022 The delay of emergency-generation capacity projects – all part of the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP) – because of the powership court case, will not only affect independent power producers but also have a knock-on effect on demand for local skills and... →

An image of Wayne Alcock MD at Quyn International

WAYNE ALCOCK Considering the commencement of BW5, as well as the delayed emergency-generation capacity projects, the upshot is that there will be numerous projects all looking to recruit local resources

Energy mix required to assist with power generation challenges

By: Anna Moross 22nd April 2022 All possible creative and innovative energy solutions must be explored to mitigate the challenges faced by State-owned power utility Eskom while it tries to diversify the energy mix and reduce the reliance on coal-powered generation, says strategic research and advisory company Birguid senior... →

INNOVATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS South Africa’s solar industry has potential and is a sector that could greatly change the subregion’s energy mix over the next 20 years

Maintenance needed for ageing infrastructure

By: Anna Moross 22nd April 2022 The ageing electrical infrastructure in South Africa highlights the need for constant monitoring and maintenance to ensure daily functioning, says electricity utility company South Power Maintenance business development executive Thamie Nyembe. →

LOTUS SUBSTATION This project involved sourcing out the necessary material for cable swinging, and implementing a new switch gear that South Power Maintenance and SKA Electric had been working on

Electricity grids to benefit from IoT

By: Nadine Ramdass 16th April 2021 Embracing renewable energy, adapting business models, reducing operational expenditure and using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can lead to effective power generation and transmission, says University of Pretoria (UP) associate professor Raj Naidoo. While the energy model for electricity... →

RAJ NAIDOO The Internet of Things offers huge benefits to the energy sector

Sector gets skills development boost

By: Nadine Ramdass 16th April 2021 The off-grid energy sector is continuing to grow, with shifts towards using standalone off-grid and renewable-energy-powered minigrid systems, as such systems can provide electricity in areas where current grid infrastructure cannot reach. However, despite the growth in the sector, there has been... →

WORKSHOP UNDERWAY TEA-LP Workshop at Strathmore University, Nairobi TEA-LP has partner universities in eight African countries

Solar to offer relief for the grid

By: Nadine Ramdass 16th April 2021 Southern Africa is familiar with low levels of electricity access and frequent electricity power cuts, owing to dilapidating infrastructure and its inadequacy to provide electricity in rural areas. However, using alternative and more affordable energy sources, such as solar, wind and... →

Kudzaishe Chivandire, CFA Stakeholders need to work together to ensure Southern Africa reaches energy mix potential

Suppression system averts oil transformer fires

By: Tracy Hancock 17th April 2020 Mitigating risks on oil-filled transformers is a primary concern for various firms that make use of this high-value equipment. Although safety in the engineering of transformers is increasingly being improved, efficient fire-suppression technology that will mitigate the risk posed on the business... →

LOCALISED SUPPRESSION I-CAT has several installations of its localised suppression system scheduled for transformers in Mozambique and Ghana

Decarbonising of local power generation sedate

By: Tracy Hancock 17th April 2020 Decarbonising South Africa’s electricity generation is no longer a technical challenge, it is a political and economic issue, says University of Pretoria Graduate School of Technology Management professor David Walwyn. The Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019) forecasts that it will take... →

RENEWED PROJECTION The growing appeal of grid-tied and standalone rooftop solar systems may alter the Integrated Resource Plan’s 30-year projection for the decarbonising of South Africa’s electric power generation

Vexila – Electrical Technology

17th April 2020 Vexila (Pty) Ltd designs, manufactures and supplies a wide range of composite insulators, composite cut-outs and a variety of line hardware products for electrical rail, transmission and distribution overhead power line infra-structure. Established over 45 years ago, Vexila was founded as... →

Modular power solutions increasing in Africa

By: Simone Liedtke 17th April 2020 In most power plants across Africa, clients prefer to install modular-type solutions, also known as containerised solutions or e-houses, and dry-type transformers fit “perfectly” within this scope, says transformer supplier and specialist Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen. The preference... →

DAVID CLAASSEN Trafo also designs and customises its transformers according to client specifications and requirements

Renewable energy solves current sector woes

By: Mamaili Mamaila 19th April 2019 Renewable energy provides solutions for the challenges associated with power generation, as the price of photovoltaics and wind energy technologies have gone down owing to the increase in the efficiency of the technologies, says Stellenbosch University Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy... →

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Solutions is facilitating and coordinating cutting-edge research and development in the power sector

EMVAfrica

19th April 2019 EMVAfrica stocks and supplies industrial stainless steel pipes, tubes, fittings, flanges as well as valves and actuators. The powerful new EMVAfrica brand stems from the consolidation of three solid companies - Energy Engineered Products, Multi Alloys and E-Metals Cape. →

Plan required for uptake of 4IR in power sector

By: Mamaili Mamaila 19th April 2019 The power generation and transmission sector has been slow in the uptake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), says global engineering company Aurecon Group energy unit manager Sibu Mvana. →

Software upgrade for Sky Eye Elios drones in the pipeline

By: Mamaili Mamaila 19th April 2019 Rope-access company Skyriders Access Specialists will partner with a local software company to advance the current software on its Sky Eye Elios drones, as it continues to refine the technology in line with its ongoing inspection and maintenance work at various industrial plants this year. →

POWER RIDE Skyriders’ rope access and drone solutions gives the company an edge in the industry

Ongoing copper cable theft negatively affects power capacity

By: Mamaili Mamaila 19th April 2019 Ongoing copper cable theft from companies, such as State-owned power utility Eskom, has devastating effects on the local copper industry, says Copper Development Association Africa (CDAA) executive chairperson Evert Swanepoel. →

COPPER ALLIANCE The high demand for copper and copper alloys, with demand mainly from the Asian region, particularly China, is causing expensive exports to many countries

Partnership ensures reliable power transmission

By: Mamaili Mamaila 19th April 2019 To ensure reliable power transmission, solar industry supplier Valsa is partnering with solar energy equipment suppliers A+Sun, SAT Control, Jinko Solar, Seraphim, Viasolis and electronics company Schweizer, as well as funding institutions, to provide funding for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. →

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT Valsa brings the latest technology in panels and tracking systems to the market while localising some of the production

Access to finance hampers power sector progress

By: Mamaili Mamaila 19th April 2019 Among the challenges facing the power generation sector is access to finance to upgrade and maintain power infrastructure to extend the life of existing assets in a sustainable way, especially when it comes to new digital technologies, says international power generation company General Electric... →

Company offers customisable electrical distribution solution

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 20th April 2018 Transformer supplier Trafo Power Solutions is offering dry-type mini substations as a complete and customisable electrical distribution solution for several applications. “Mini substations generally include oil transformers, but Trafo Power Solutions is now able to design and deliver dry-type... →

MADE-TO-ORDER Well proven dry-type technology is being used in Trafo Power Solutions’ customised dry-type mini substations

Distributed generation can mitigate transmission constraints in Africa

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 20th April 2018 Investment in the African transmission grid and distributed generation solutions could be viable in mitigating the challenge of providing access to electricity, says power generation original-equipment manufacturer Himoinsa. “Whether owing to transmission constraints or distribution issues,... →

MATTHEW BELL Himoinsa has spent a lot of time developing a distributed generation offering to the marketplace

Investor interest in Africa’s power sectors remains significant

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 20th April 2018 Despite the downturn in commodity prices that led to more subdued growth in several of Africa’s resource-intense economies, there is still significant investor interest in Africa’s power sectors, says multidisciplinary engineering consultancy WSP Africa power transmission and distribution... →

DINESH BULDOO Transmission and distribution networks are equally critical components to electrifying Africa

Renewable energy crucial to Africa’s power

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 20th April 2018 Many African leaders have realised the crucial role that renewable energy can and will play in “bringing power to their people”, says multidisciplinary engineering consultancy WSP Africa power transmission and distribution director Dinesh Buldoo. “The return-on-investment of renewable power... →

POWER OF NATURE
Many African leaders have realised the crucial role that renewable energy can and will play in bringing power to their people

Photo by Creamer Media
POWER OF NATURE Many African leaders have realised the crucial role that renewable energy can and will play in bringing power to their people

Africa pursuing diversified energy investments to deliver power

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 20th April 2018 Africa has an abundance of energy resources that can be brought online rapidly and cost effectively, says engineering, procurement and construction services provider Black & Veatch sub-Saharan Africa business development director Webb Meko. With governments realising that no single technology... →

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ2yoZpx3Lo

Cogeneration valuable to S Africa’s energy mix

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st April 2017 With cleaner energy technology rapidly advancing and industries increasingly aiming to stabilise their power supply through off-grid generation alternatives, energy solutions provider Vuselela Energy director Jacques Malan is confident that cogeneration systems can offer a valuable power... →

AWARD-WINNING SOLUTIONS Vuselela Energy’s Eternity Power project is enabling a smelter in Rustenburg to harvest thermal energy and convert it into energy

Alternative power supply approach to benefit low-income areas

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st April 2017 Alternative energy supply company Specialized Solar Systems (SSS) is making significant headway in driving the large-scale implementation of its solar-powered distributed direct current microgrids, which incorporate the Internet of Things (IoT) to supply energy to low-income areas in the form of... →

Generator giant to expand its Southern Africa network

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st April 2017 Power generation equipment developer Himoinsa’s new subsidiary, Himoinsa Southern Africa, will provide a base from which the company can develop its geophysical footprint in Southern Africa by expanding and supporting its existing distribution network. →

STRENGTHENING NETWORKS Himoinsa’s new subsidiary will operate primarily as a base to provide more technical and after-sales support for Himoinsa’s distributor network Southern Africa

Clamp an effective cable-theft solution

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st April 2017 Industrial equipment supplier Banding and Identification Solutions Africa is seeing a rise in demand from the electric power sector for its Ultra-Lok open-end clamp, owing to cable theft causing substantial disruptions in South Africa’s power supply. →

Cross-border power to boost African economies

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st April 2017 With the announcement of an ambitious power project to connect Cape Town and Cairo within the next three years by regional orhganisation the Eastern Africa Power Pool, the opportunities for reliable cross-border electricity generation are once again in the spotlight, says power generation... →

Integrated energy solutions Africa’s answer

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st April 2017 While several large-scale energy projects in Africa are progressing positively, growing global interest in sustainability and renewable energy highlights the need to actively pursue other low-cost, fast-tracked integrated energy solutions that will benefit Africans without access to electricity,... →

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