Fri, 6 Dec 2024
22.7 C
Durban

Embedded generation threshold boost will spark innovation

Home Infrastructure Energy – Power Generation Embedded generation threshold boost will spark innovation

By Malvin Naicker

THE government’s announcement of an increase in the threshold for generation licence exemptions for embedded generation projects from 1MW to 100MW is likely to result in an uptick of innovative new technologies in South Africa’s energy sector.

This effectively opens the door for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to ramp up their power generation capacity to alleviate the electricity supply constraints that continue to affect the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

In terms of IPPs that focus on renewable energy, microgrid solutions with battery energy storage systems (BESS) are ideal to ensure stable and sustainable power by harnessing solar energy and also a powerful model for a clean-energy future. Even though coal continues to play a dominant role in South Africa’s power generation, the country can still leverage the massive opportunity of distributed energy resources.

What this means, and we see it happening in South Africa at present, is the wholesale transformation of the energy system, encompassing generation, transmission, storage, monitoring and control. As renewables ultimately replace fossil fuels, power grids must remain resilient and become even more flexible to adapt to fast-changing demands.

While solar energy remains a relatively small portion of overall sustainable power generation, it is the world’s fastest-growing energy source. However, delivering on the potential of utility-scale solar energy presents significant challenges, from integration with the grid to deployment and utilisation of storage, to asset and operations management, generation and revenue forecasting and predictability, and the ever-increasing cost pressures and fast-track project cycles.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids has industry-leading expertise and an expansive portfolio of technologies, solutions, software and services designed to support every stage of renewable project development. With over 130 years’ engineering know-how in the power and industrial sector, we probably have the largest installed fleet of components and systems in the space of power systems for electric utilities and large industries.

Together with our customers and partners, we are committed to accelerating South Africa’s energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We have placed sustainability at the heart of our business because clean energy generation, network infrastructure and electrification of end-user sectors are crucial to decarbonisation strategies.

Sustainability 2030 is our strategic plan for sustainability, which draws from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and is focused on: Planet, People, Peace and Partnerships. As the partner of choice for a sustainable energy future, we are pioneering digital and energy platforms to help customers to overcome complexity, increase efficiency and accelerate the shift towards a carbon-neutral energy future.

Malvin Naicker is MD, Hitachi ABB Power Grids

Most Popular

Maximum compatibility and safety from new connections

WITH the new, optimised Nexus Connect flare connection, the Ingelfingen-based technology company Gemü is now introducing an innovative flare connection for its CleanStar and...

Powered grease gun a leap in lubrication innovation

SKF has launched its innovative TLGB 21 battery-driven grease gun that optimises lubrication efficiency and reduces costs by seamlessly combining advanced technology with a...

Donated tow tractor keeps Eastern Cape air ambulances flying

TO help save lives in the Gqeberha region of the Eastern Cape, the team at Toyota Material Handling, a division of CFAO Equipment, donated...

Real-time belt rip detection saves costs, reduces downtime and prevents injury

BECKER Mining has launched the newly developed BRS4.0 belt rip detection system, with advanced features for greater durability, higher efficiency and improved safety. Typical...