/ 21 August 2012

Eskom partners for energy solutions

One of Eskom's core values is innovation and as such we believe that innovation is the key to solving local
One of Eskom's core values is innovation and as such we believe that innovation is the key to solving local

1. Why is Eskom involved?
One of Eskom's core values is innovation and as such we believe that innovation is the key to solving local, regional and global energy challenges.  At last year's Summit we shared our experience on open innovation and the pilot project we launched earlier in the year. The feedback we got was of great value and as usual we also learned a lot from other role players. We are therefore very proud to be the lead sponsor of the 5th Innovation Summit.

2. How does the involvement asist Eskom's business?
We cannot meet our current and future challenges by merely repeating what we have done in the past – hence we need to tap the inherent innovation we believe is present in all of our people and partners in coming up with new and better approaches to our business. As such, the primary driver is one of achieving business excellence. Our imperatives around economic growth, affordability and security of supply need to be balanced with the impact on the environment, society and the economy. To get this balance right, we need innovative solutions and collaboration to ensure we do what is best for our country and for our planet. We are not naïve in thinking that we have all the answers and we truly believe in the power of collaborative innovation. Our involvement provides us with the right answers.

3. Any other items around the In novation Summit you'd like to highlight?
The energy sector globally faces a major era of change: will this be a future of continued resource depletion and environmental degradation, or a new era of sustainable energy for all? I believe that it is possible to bridge the gap  between current unsustainable energy production and consumption and simultaneously close the energy access gap globally through innovation. In South Africa we will not be able to address current and future energy challenges without innovation and therefore opportunities to innovate present themselves in the energy supply, delivery and end- use areas. Also, the convergence of technologies and services around future smart grid platforms has the potential to create new and exciting industries, products and services for our sector.