Solving the energy crisis in SA

Automation and power technologies, coupled with global skills transfer, will be required for advanced electricity infrastructure growth. These two issues were highlighted as key to solving the current energy crisis in South Africa.

Solutions to optimise the use of energy throughout the electrical value chain and new technologies for building a smart grid were among insights customers gained from Automation and Power World 2009, held for the first time in Africa in November.

The leading technology event presented by ABB in South Africa exceeded attendance expectations and attracted more than 1 300 delegates from across the continent.

‘Emerging markets, and Africa is no exception, have a huge opportunity presented to them,” said Joe Hogan, ABB Group chief executive.

‘We have realised that, by bringing together our resources and expertise, we are able to meet the need for energy, infrastructure and skills development needed in Africa.”

Keynote speaker at the conference, Thembani Bukula, regulator member at the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, said: ‘The growth in electricity currently is sitting at 2.6%, which has highlighted the growing need for 20 000MW by 2025.

For this to happen, two crucial gaps need to be filled in the market—skills development in the automation and power industries and advancements to the South African grid allowing it to be fit for its purpose.”

The two-day conference and exhibition, with speakers from several continents, highlighted the exponentially increased interest in both power and automation resulting from the need to improve energy efficiency in the face of soaring energy costs.

Productivity, reliability and safety were also highlighted as an integral part of the electricity industry. Delegates took part in interactive sessions to further their knowledge about the latest technologies in power and automation from experts around the globe.

‘ABB’s unique scope of supply and local expertise addresses the entire spectrum of technology required to address electricity growth,” said Carlos Pone, chief executive of ABB South Africa.

‘This provides customers with the competitive edge needed to succeed in today’s economy.”

The event targeted customers working in electricity utilities, process industries and roboticsrelated businesses.

ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact.

The ABB Group of companies operates in about 100 countries and employs about 120 000 people.

ABB South Africa, 20% owned by women’s empowerment company Wiphold, manufactures and supplies power and automation technology products and specialises in electricity infrastructure and industrial automation projects.

The company has manufacturing facilities in South Africa and employs more than 1 500 people.—ABB South Africa

For more information or presentations from Automation and Power World 2009 visit www.abb.com/za