Page 10 - Energize January 2021

NEWS

Growing solar in Africa

ccording to the industry experts, Africa has shown great
progress in the development of its solar energy markets over
Athe years. The continent has experienced a growth of over
1,8 GW of new solar installations, with 1,4 GW coming from
photovoltaic (PV) installations, which was a significant jump from the
786 MW which was brought online in 2017.
In 2016, South Africa had 1329 MW of installed solar power sustainable, reliable, and efficient as solar.
capacity and this capacity is expected to reach 8400 MW by 2030. However, successful implementation of solar is futile without
Two new solar plants now feeding 132 MW into South Africa’s grid regional cooperation to enable expediating the process of
and two utility­scale solar plants in the Northern Cape, Aggeneys implementing solar under a single framework. As most
Solar and Konkoonsies II Solar, have commenced commercial municipalities operate completely independently from one another,
operations, adding a collective 132 MW to South Africa’s this consequently implies that they are unable to foresee or
generation capacity. understand the benefits or the process pertaining to such regional
Addressing Africa’s large and persistent power deficit is key to integration initiatives.
achieving economic and social targets. There is significant potential
for solar power, both at the utility and off­grid scale, to assist in ABOUT AFRICA ENERGY INDABA
reducing this shortfall, says the managing director of Africa Energy The 13th annual Africa Energy Indaba (1­5 March 2021) will
Indaba, Liz Hart. This is owing particularly to the given high solar assemble representatives from development banks, investment funds,
irradiation in many countries, as well as the declining price of PV solar developers, IPPs, EPCs and other solar stakeholders to engage in
equipment in recent years. comprehensive dialogues to solve Africa’s solar energy challenges, in
Governments increasingly see solar power as critical to their an endeavour to see projects realised.
electrification objectives. In an endeavour to increase investment on The virtual conference is sure to enlighten attendees on what
the continent’s solar front, African ministers are encouraging African leaders and businesses are doing to enable the supply of
international investors to participate in solar power purchase reliable and sustainable energy for the continent. This definitive
agreements (PPAs) and empowering them to own and operate solar global platform is focused on connecting solar project development
farms in their own capacity. and finance and investment in the four leading solar electrification
Many African nations have employed solar energy as a solution to segments (utility­scale, commercial & industrial, mini/microgrids and
tackling climate change, fostering development and ensuring food off­grid). n
security. Extensive research from some of the world’s most renowned
energy experts has revealed that no other energy source, including Contact Thembisa Bambathi, Africa Energy Indaba,
hydro and wind, can provide power and have an impact as thembisa@energyindaba.co.za

Training for machine maintenance teams available

ondition monitoring technology is advancing so quickly that “We have found that customers who invest in upskilling their staff
ongoing training for staff working in the machine maintenance definitely gain a higher return on investment in their condition
Carena is essential in order to stay abreast of current trends. monitoring programme. For example, if maintenance staff know how
So says WearCheck’s technical manager, Steven Lumley, who to accurately interpret vibration readings or take an oil sample
plays an instrumental role in developing the company’s training correctly or take proper care of the machinery, the efficacy of the
schedule as well as ensuring that all courses are compliant with condition monitoring programme is boosted hundredfold, and
lockdown regulations. training plays a key role here.
“Due to the ongoing Covid­19 situation,” says Lumley, “Please
contact us to confirm whether the courses will be held at a venue or
online, as we strive to comply with lockdown regulations and keep
our course delegates safe and healthy.”
WearCheck’s range of oil analysis and condition monitoring training
courses is geared for maintenance practitioners operating at various
levels within an organisation. Many of these courses earn valuable CPD
(continuing professional development) points for delegates.
All Mobius courses are presented at various venues throughout
Africa, and many of them have an online option. When booking, please
confirm date and venue, as some of these details may change due to
Covid­19 restrictions. n

Contact Christene, WearCheck, Tel 011 392-6322,
christenef@wearcheck.co.za

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