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Latest French technology at AUW 2017
ElectroMechanica
(EM) showcased the lat-
est technology from Socomec of France at
African Utility Week 2017 at the CapeTown
International Convention Centre from 16
to 18 May.
EM, a specialised direct importer and
wholesale distributor of high-end industrial
electrical products, motor control switch-
gear and electronic automation products,
is the exclusive distributor for Socomec in
SouthAfrica. The company exhibited as part
of the French Pavilion at African UtilityWeek
2017, Socomec Technical Sales Engineer
Yoann Guinamant highlights. Socomec is of
particular interest to the utility sector due to
products such as the DIRIS Digiware system,
described as an innovation hub to facilitate
connection and configuration.
“EM takes pride in supplying only the
best technology possible for the diverse
industries it targets. Our DIRIS Digiware
is the most effective solution for metering
consumption and monitoring the quality
of electrical energy,” Guinamant stresses.
In terms of power management and op-
timisation, the system allows for optimal
control of an electrical network. It manages
consumption, and monitors power and
electrical events, with its high level of ac-
curacy guaranteed by its compliance with
IEC 61557-2, across a wide range of sensors
(Class 0.5), from 2% to 120% of rated current
for the global measurement chain.
In addition, the electrical energy quality
monitoring functions offered by DIRIS Digi-
ware allow for preventative maintenance
in terms of any electrical malfunctions. A
door display allows operators to read criti-
cal information quickly, while the Webview
software allows managers tomonitor instal-
lations remotely.
Enquiries: Phil Dingle.
The so-called energy revolution and its
predicted effect on the way people live has
already started in Africa, and will continue
to gain momentum. Never before has it
been more critical to facilitate access to
energy for less developed communities
and nations across the continent than right
now. Universal access to sustainable energy
will trigger a virtual circle of development.
Without electricity, there can be no further
development.
The greatest impediment to the energy
revolution in Africa is not investment, but
rather the ability to create an enabling envi-
ronment and reliable execution capabilities
for all markets across the continent.
Although the 2025 projections forecast
that we will see a reduction in coal power
and hydropower, and an increase in renew-
able as part of the overall energy mix, what
is very clear is that the utility model is here
to stay.
One of the greatest contributors to the
energy revolution is that of disruptive tech-
nologies, which allow for the quick rollout
of integrated micro-grid energy solutions.
Another trend coming to the fore is the shift
from the distribution of centralised capabili-
ties and resources to distributed capabilities
and resources that are produced and ac-
cessed locally.The impact will be especially
significant in developing countries across
the continent where electricity networks are
fragmented, posing a serious impediment
to investment and modernisation.
Key discussions at the 17
th
annual African
Utility Week have certainly centred on the
role of power generation and the role of mi-
cro-grids and off-grid solutions
in helping to provide access to
energy for rural communities.
It’s an appropriate topic con-
sidering that energy access in
Africa is currently only at 24%,
with the vast majority of the
one billion plus population of
Africa unserved through tradi-
tional grid access.
Micro-grid energy systems
help assure electrical energy
surety independent of the
utility grid availability or help
provide demand and load
management.
accomplish this, a combi-
nation of multiple generation
sources, including generators,
solar, wind and energy storage can be in-
tegrated on a common grid structure with
necessary loads seamlessly isolated from
or paralleled with the main grid.
Similarly, energy storage has a crucial
role to play in facilitating the integration of
renewable energy. With the rise of renewa-
bles, the complementary deployment of
energy storage is a trend set to continue
into 2017 and beyond. Power storage could
provide Africa with the most cost-effective
and energy efficient off-grid electricity gen-
eration solution for at least the next decade.
The technology continues to prove its
value to grid operators around the world
with the realisation over the past decades
that the traditional, centralised grid cannot
or will not cost-effectively provide even
basic electrical service to underserved
populations in a reasonable amount of time.
Energy storage has become a key factor in
helping countries manage both grid stabil-
ity, as renewable energy sources continue to
be integrated into the grid, as well as peak
demand, limiting the need to build dedi-
cated peaking power plants and minimising
CO
2
emissions.The energy storage market is
now entering a newgrowth phase as off-grid
solutions are aggressively sought across the
continent; the opportunities are numerous.
To quote the European CommissionVP in
charge of the Energy Union, Maroš ŠefČoviČ:
“The role and importance of storage have
been underestimated for too long.”
The main challenge over the next 20 years
is to provide energy services for one billion
additional people and I believe we are up
to the challenge.
STANDBY + BACK-UP
PLANT MAINTENANCE, TEST + MEASUREMENT
Seydou Kane, Managing Director for Africa, Eaton.
Galvananising the energy revolution in Africa
Opinion by Seydou Kane
45
June ‘17
Electricity+Control