Electricity + Control June 2017

STANDBY + BACK-UP PLANT MAINTENANCE, TEST + MEASUREMENT

ROUND UP

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 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-

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. Email Philip.dingle@lucyelectric.com 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.

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 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-

Galvananising the energy revolution in Africa Opinion by Seydou Kane

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,

Seydou Kane, Managing Director for Africa, Eaton.

June ‘17 Electricity+Control

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