Fourteen months ago, Siemens installed a microgrid at its headquarters in Midrand and data shows it is using 50% less supplied energy, drawing it from solar resources instead. By extracting energy off its microgrid, the company has saved 2 435 000 kWh, which translates into 174 000 kWh per month – 50% of the office park’s normal consumption.
Put into perspective, 174 000 kWh is the amount of energy used by 50 average South Africa households per year.
“The project provides a showcase for the vision of smart cities across Africa,” says Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa, “This small-scale example shows that it doesn’t have to remain a futuristic dream, it’s a reality that we can start working toward today. We already have a proven solution that will help save energy, cut costs, lower carbon emissions and ensure uninterrupted power. Everything from installation to operating costs have been tracked to present a realistic case study for the South African context, and the results to date are convincing.”
The real-life case study, implemented in an existing office building, shows impressive savings in terms of cost, as well as harmful emissions (2460 tons of CO2 saved to date). Combining efforts from local and global Siemens experts, this is the first Siemens Distributed Energy System (DES) solution of its kind in Africa. It is also the first time that Siemens has installed the system in one of its own buildings. The solution corresponds with the company’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 through energy efficiency, decentralised energy systems, and the purchasing of clean electricity.
DES results to date:
• 14 months of uninterrupted power.
• 2460 tons of CO2 saved.
• The initial payback period calculated for the system is 11,1 years (capex, financing, maintenance, conservative power price inflation).
• Tariff increases, however, and taking the actual production figures into consideration, Siemens are confident that the full payback will be achievable in under 10 years.
For more information contact Keshin Govender, Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa, +27 11 652 2412, [email protected], www.siemens.com
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...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...Robotics TechTalk at UKZN
News
The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held an exciting TechTalk. It was an opportunity to introduce students to the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter, SAIMC, and the Robotics Association of South Africa.
Read more...Schneider Electric honoured with Gender Leader Award Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum. This award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.
Read more...Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 closes on a high note
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 officially wrapped up after three dynamic days at Gallagher Convention Centre, cementing its status as Africa’s leading platform for industrial automation, AI and IoT.
Read more...A new generation of solar professionals
News
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.
Read more...From the editor's desk: The age of superintelligence Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
In this issue of SA Instrumentation & Control we say farewell to our longstanding contributing editor, Michael Brown, who is retiring soon. His outstanding contribution over the years in the field of ...
Read more...Driving digital transformation in the new wave SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
News
The latest presentation in the series ‘Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry’ will be held on Wednesday 25 June. It will be presented by Johan Potgieter, Cluster Industrial Software Leader for Schneider Electric, South Africa.
printer friendly version