Promoting engineering knowledge and practice
May 2013
News
North-West University in Potchefstroom recently hosted the annual South African Universities Power Engineering Conference. The conference plays an important role in promoting engineering knowledge and expertise among the relatively small South African power and high voltage engineering academic community. Wits University’s School of Electrical and Information Engineering (EIE) made one of the strongest showings, delivering 10 of the 27 presentations and providing almost a third of the participants.
The Wits Power and HV research groups that attended SAUPEC 2013.
Wits EIE’s contribution to the conference is part of its drive to grow postgraduate research to promote the search for knowledge within the broad field of engineering to solve the tough engineering problems of the day. It has long realised that solutions are not isolated within a single specialist field, leading to the creation of its three major research thrusts: energy, information and systems. All of which were represented in its presentations.
A wide range of topics was aired in the 27 presentations, ranging from renewable energy and energy efficiency fields to high voltage and power-grid disciplines, while also included ‘fringe’ aspects such as sociological studies of developing countries and the effect of coal quality. Many graduates and post-graduates were attending their first conference, meeting in person the academics with whose work they were already familiar and being exposed to the vastness of the power and high-voltage engineering field. The EIE considers this aspect of the conference an important introduction for both graduates and post-graduates to the almost bewildering choice of career options in the sector.
SAUPEC also provides an interface between young graduates and post-graduates and creates a platform for well-known academics and industry specialists to share their knowledge and expertise. It is an event which is eagerly anticipated and always well attended by all with an interest in the field.
Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive attesting to the ongoing success of the event with new contacts being made to extend the important network of professionals in the field.
For more information contact Heather Regenass, University of Witwatersrand, +27 (0)11 717 7012, [email protected], www.eie.wits.ac.za
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...
The top 10 emerging technologies of 2025
News
The World Economic Forum’s top 10 emerging technologies of 2025 are expected to deliver real-world impact within three to five years and address urgent global challenges.
Read more...
Comtest calibration user group seminar
News
Comtest invites metrology and calibration professionals to a focused technical seminar series aimed at demystifying some of the most common hurdles in inter-laboratory comparisons.
Read more...
Technology leaders shaping 2025
News
In an era where agility, innovation and execution are paramount, ABI Research’s latest report, ‘26 Technology Companies Leading the Way in 2025’ identifies the top players shaping the future across key digital technology segments.
Read more...
Omniflex through the decades
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
News
As Omniflex celebrates 60 years of engineering excellence, we take a look back at the decade that saw us really kick in and deliver major engineering projects – the 1970s.
Read more...
Innomotics certified for innovative mine winder braking system
News
Innomotics has achieved SIL 3 certification for the COBRA 02 S braking system for mine winder installations, together with OLKO-Maschinentechnik.
Read more...
The true cost of cheap water in South Africa
News
The low cost of water has created a dangerous sense of comfort for South Africans.
Read more...
South Africa’s green hydrogen leap
News
Over the past 12 months, South Africa has solidified its ambitions to become a global green hydrogen leader. Riding on abundant renewable energy resources and strategic partnerships, the country has advanced from early-stage promise to tangible project groundwork. These are the most significant developments from mid-2024 through mid-2025.
Read more...
Rewiring the nation
News
South Africa’s energy sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Long defined by its heavy dependence on coal, the country is now making significant progress toward a more diverse and sustainable energy mix.
Read more...
Africa Energy Review
News
The Africa Energy Review 2024 from PwC outlines how the continent’s energy landscape is shifting in response to global trends, local needs and technological innovation.
Read more...
printer friendly version