The last Johannesburg branch Technology Evening was hosted by WIKA Instruments, where Chris Yelland from EE Publishers presented on the challenges and the changing landscape of electricity generation and demand in South Africa. The presentation analysed old and new technology options available to South Africa as we move from an era of shortage of electricity to a surplus.
Mike Banda (right) thanks Chris Yelland after the presentation.
Chris explored the technical challenges, from distributed generation to real-time digital measurements, data communication, automation and control. Also, the uncertain future outlook in lieu of forecasting future electricity demands and disruptive technologies gaining popularity due to price reduction in solar (PV, CSP) and wind, energy storage, electric vehicles and smart grids, among others.
Moving forward, South Africa needs new ways of doing things:
• Maximising solar PV and wind energy.
• Investing in flexible generation (gas) and energy storage.
• Investing in smart grid for distribution.
• Retiring old and expensive coal fired power plants.
• Carefully analysing the planned nuclear investment.
The old way of doing things, which Chris calls ‘baseloadism’, is being challenged by price tipping of newer renewable energy technologies, which introduces flexibility as well as a brave new world of power generation.
The branch thanks Chris for his informative presentation that was well attended and received.
SAIMC: Johannesburg
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At SAIMC Durban’s October Technology Evening, Nico Erasmus delivered a thought-provoking presentation on a topic close to every automation professional’s heart: PLC and Drive Manufacturer Generational Hardware - UpGrades, UpGates or UpRates?
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
Read more...Why ECSA matters SAIMC
SAIMC
I always knew I had to register as a Professional Engineer. Then I opened the registration guidelines.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Enabling AI-ready manufacturing in South Africa SAIMC
SAIMC
Last month, I wrote about the ethical use of AI in our daily lives. This month, I want to explore two concepts, backed by different architectures and technologies, that can assist our manufacturing facilities to exponentially increase the pace of their digital transformation.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch hosted its June Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club, where attendees explored a topic beyond the usual scope of process automation.
Read more...SAIMC: Zambia branch
SAIMC
SAIMC Zambia recently facilitated an industrial visit to the Zamefa Cable Manufacturing Company in Luanshya for twenty automation students from Sinozam. The visit gave students valuable exposure to the advanced technology used in copper and aluminium cable production.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version