News


Energy shapes the future of Africa’s automation and manufacturing industries

February 2023 News

The importance of energy security in shaping South Africa’s economic future is a key focus of the Africa Automation and Technology Fair (AATF), the continent’s most comprehensive and focused automation platform. Taking place between 9 and 11 May 2023 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec), it will co-locate with Future Manufacturing Africa (FMA), a new trade show dedicated to the full manufacturing value chain for the African continent.

Esteemed industry experts have been lined up to present at the dedicated conference, AATF Connect, which will be introduced by Gwede Mantashe from the Department of Energy. They include South African television presenter and moderator, Derek Watts; energy consultant, Chris Yelland; Dilley Naidoo, CEO of Madala & Associates; and Dhevan Pillay, South African Energy Conservation.

Although President Ramaphosa has said Eskom is taking active steps to add new generation capacity to the grid on an urgent basis, a key focus of AATF Connect will be to seek real answers to the many difficult questions being asked about the measures the government has identified to address the energy crisis.

The procurement of new generation capacity

As an immediate measure, Eskom will buy surplus capacity from existing independent power producers (IPPs), mines and other private entities which generate excess power, while 2600 MW of capacity has been procured through Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy IPP Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), which should add capacity to the grid from early 2024.

Eskom will also look to buy power from neighbouring countries with excess electricity capacity, such as Zambia and Botswana, through the Southern African Power Pool, and aims to construct its first solar and battery storage projects at Komati, Majuba, Lethabo and several other power stations. On paper, the measures for new generation capacity look positive, but there are still many gaps to be filled as to how these processes will roll out on a practical level.

Easing of distributed generation regulations and new legislation

After removing the licensing requirement for generation projects up to 100 MW in June 2021, President Ramaphosa has now announced the complete removal of the licensing requirement for embedded generation, to incentivise further private investment in electricity generation and reduce the lead times to commence construction of projects.

The term ‘embedded generation’ is ambiguous as it is understood differently in different contexts. There are also questions about transitional arrangements for those projects above the 100 MW threshold that are already in motion, and how these will be impacted.

Incentivising investment in rooftop solar through feed-in tariffs

The government has acknowledged the potential for households and businesses to install rooftop solar solutions and to connect this power to the grid. To incentivise greater uptake of rooftop solar, Eskom will develop rules and a pricing structure, known as a ‘feed-in tariff’, for all commercial and residential installations on its network. This means that those who have installed solar panels in their homes or businesses will be able to sell surplus power to Eskom. However, there are some complexities here, as most of these installations occur within municipal distribution systems rather than Eskom’s transmission systems.

Improving the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations

To address the red tape around buying spares and equipment to effect critical repairs at power stations, Eskom’s budget for critical maintenance will be increased over the next 12 months. But, if Eskom relies on emergency procurement procedures (which allows deviation from the mandatory tender requirements to buy spares and equipment on an urgent basis), this could open up the process to abuse and has the potential to be a vehicle for corruption and looting of this increased budget allocation.

Philip Woods, events director for Business and Technology at RX Africa, says: “We understand that delegates at the AATF and FMA are after real, honest discussions and debates about the burning issues that are impacting business today and the future economic growth of our country and continent. We look forward to bringing together the automation and manufacturing industry’s major players with energy leaders to tackle the major issues affecting progress and transformation, and we are confident that the event will be of great benefit to all involved.”

Registration for both the AATF and FMA is currently open. To register or for more information, please visit https://www.africaautomationfair.com/en-gb.html




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...
RS South Africa showcases industrial solutions at MTE Phalaborwa
News
RS South Africa recently showcased its latest industrial and electronic solutions at the Mining and Technical Exhibition in Phalaborwa in Limpopo.

Read more...
Specialised Exhibitions appoints Joshua Low as commercial director for Africa
News
Specialised Exhibitions has appointed Joshua Low as commercial director for Africa. This strategic addition to the leadership team comes as Specialised Exhibitions embarks on an ambitious phase of growth across the African continent.

Read more...
WearCheck earns Dissolved Gas Analysis accreditation
Wearcheck News
WearCheck is now accredited to perform Dissolved Gas Analysis for transformers, following a recent assessment by SANAS.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: Riding the hype cycle
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
The other day I came across an entertaining article on the ten biggest tech failures of the last decade. Google Glass, 3D TV and Elon Musk’s hyperloop have faded into obscurity. Others, like the metaverse, ...

Read more...
STEMulator – a gift to the youth of the nation
Editor's Choice News
STEMulator is a groundbreaking virtual platform designed to ignite the spark of curiosity in young minds and stimulate their interest in STEM subjects.

Read more...
A strategic milestone for Conical Technologies
Conical Technologies News
Conical Technologies has been appointed as the sole distributor in southern Africa for Mibbo, manufacturers of a vast array of products for the automation industry.

Read more...
Parker Hannifin brings advanced motion technologies to the World RX
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa News
Parker Hannifin is back on the FIA World Rallycross Championship grid to push the limits of sustainable performance in one of motorsport’s toughest arenas.

Read more...
Tapping into the laboratory economy
News
Africa’s fast-growing young population and enthusiastic adoption of digital technology could pave the way for the continent to fast-track science innovation and become a world leader in diagnostics, analysis and research. This is according to industry bodies, speakers and exhibitors at analytica Lab Africa, South Africa’s only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics.

Read more...
Fuel your competitive edge with tech that transforms
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition 2025, taking place from 22 to 24 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre, offers a vibrant, solution-focused platform tailored to the unique needs of KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial, manufacturing, engineering, maritime, agricultural and mining sectors.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved