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.
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