Progress in renewables remains concentrated in the power sector, while far less growth has occurred in heating, cooling and transport. The year 2018 saw a relatively stable market for renewable energy technologies. A total of 181 GW of renewable power was added, a consistent pace compared to 2017, and the number of countries integrating high […]
Among the biggest challenges for flexible operations is to determine how long a power plant can run at a lower level without incurring damage or increasing costs. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is helping Duke Energy and Eskom to fine-tune power plants for lower loads and other flexible modes. Duke Energy, based in Charlotte, […]
We should be grateful we’re having a mild winter. Without the power received from the independently owned and operated renewable energy-sourced power stations we’d be in the dark – or facing serious loadshedding events right now. Since we are not experiencing loadshedding at present, some may believe that Eskom’s power stations are on the mend […]
Customers have always held the expectation of uninterrupted power. Keeping the lights on was the only thing that mattered. But today, it’s more than just about the lights. In our hyper-connected world, having power readily available to charge up dozens of devices is the expectation – anything less is unacceptable. For industrial users, a lack […]
By the year 2040, annual global electricity consumption will be 70% higher than in 2015, according to International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates [1]. This increase has left electric utilities around the globe seeking answers to some very difficult power questions. Revenue collection and the reduction of non-technical losses are two of the most important issues […]
Lloyd’s Register recently performed a technical audit and evaluation of Swedish Stirling’s PWR Blok 400-F, which uses the Stirling engine. The purpose was to validate and verify technical performance specifications presented by the company regarding this technology’s ability to convert industrial residual gases from the South African ferrochrome industry into electricity. Lloyd’s certification states that […]
Actom sold its Wilec division to Makarenge Electrical Industries (MEl) recently. MEI is a black-empowered company based in Gauteng. Energize caught up with MEI’s CEO, Nene Mathebula, at the company’s factory in Olifantsfontein and asked him about his plans and vision for the company. Energize: Congratulations on your acquisition of Wilec. How did it come […]
As Eskom struggles with excessive debt, its ability to extend grid-power to rural communities remains limited. However, the country could take advantage of the power utility’s challenge by increasing the use of modern technology to turn sunshine into income for residents and businesses in these rural areas. The way energy is produced and distributed is […]
Most overhead transmission line (OHTL) asset owners employ a mix of in-house and outsourced expertise for the project management, engineering (system analysis and facility design), construction and maintenance of their OHTL facilities. The use of solely one of or a mix of in-house and outsourced expertise is done in a myriad of ways and for […]
Interest in small modular nuclear reactors is showing a resurgence. The travelling wave nuclear reactor (TWNR), based on the breed and burn principle, is one of the options being considered. Any optimal energy technology for the future must meet stricter standards than in the past; in addition to being economically attractive, it now must also […]
