Page 17 - Energize October 2022

INTERVIEW

using our proven MicroSCADA and customers and partners, we pioneer functions and are designed to work
RTU platforms, helps to monitor and technologies and enable the digital with third party batteries. Currently the
control distributed energy resources. transformation required to accelerate technologies deployed in high energy
Network Manager is an integrated the energy transition towards a carbon- projects include Lithium Iron Phosphate
network operations platform that neutral future. We are advancing the (LFP) and Li-ion chemistries. This could
includes advanced distribution world’s energy system to become more extend to other battery chemistries in
management system (ADMS) sustainable, flexible and secure whilst the future.
capabilities to extend grid control balancing social, environmental and
and optimisation. Network Manager economic value. Energize: How would Hitachi Energy
provides functionality for the safe and partner with Eskom and IPPs to extend
efficient operation of sub-transmission, Energize: South Africa has committed the capacity of an existing, or new-
medium- and low-voltage distribution itself to reducing CO 2 emissions build, private electricity generating
networks on the island. associated with the generation of project?
electricity by burning coal. How would
Energize: Please tell us about Hitachi Hitachi Energy’s technologies help Malvin Naicker: It is important to note
Energy’s generation systems in other South Africa to transition to cleaner that Hitachi Energy is a technology
countries. electricity generation? and solutions provider. Our Energy
Trading & Risk Management (ETRM)
Malvin Naicker: An example of the Malvin Naicker: Our mission is to solutions consistently win awards
assistance that Hitachi Energy provides ensure that the world’s energy system and recognition from users and
to utilities is its involvement with is sustainable, flexible and secure. renowned industry think tanks, thereby
Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira The world of energy continues to confirming our proven track record as a
(EEM) on the Madeira Island of Porto evolve, and therefore Hitachi Energy global ETRM leader.
Santo. The addition of Hitachi Energy’s is developing its energy market reach We help organisations meet
PowerStore battery energy storage and portfolio into new areas, expanding sustainability targets, minimise market
system solution enables increased beyond the grid. risk while maximising profitability, and
adoption of renewable energy while comply with ever-changing industry
stabilising the system and reducing Energize: Microgrids are often regulations and standards. Our ETRM
voltage fluctuation. mentioned as being part of a modern solutions are uniquely positioned
Other practical examples of Hitachi electricity system. What benefits would to support the ‘three Ds of energy’:
Energy’s solutions in action include microgrids offer to communities and Decarbonisation, Digitalisation and
the microgrids it commissioned in businesses plagued by outages? Decentralisation.
Longmeadow, Johannesburg in 2016 These drive the energy transition
and on Robben Island (a UNESCO Malvin Naicker: The focus on renewable as well as commodities that enable
World Heritage Site) in 2017. Systems energy means that microgrid solutions renewable energy technologies.
which are grid connected and need with battery energy storage systems Serving producers, utilities and trading
to meet local grid code requirements (BESS) are ideal to ensure stable and companies across the globe, our award-
or exceed 1 MW can become quite sustainable power, by harnessing solar winning ETRM solutions are purpose-
complex. as well as wind and hydro energy for built software systems designed to
a clean-energy future. Even though automate complex tasks. We support
Energize: Are Hitachi Energy solutions coal continues to play a dominant the entire trade cycle from the front to
aimed at utility-scale or industrial-scale role in South Africa’s power mix, the the back office.
electricity provision? country can still leverage the massive
opportunity of distributed energy For more information on
Malvin Naicker: Hitachi Energy is a resources. Hitachi Energy’s offerings, please visit
global technology leader which is www.hitachienergy.com/africa/en
advancing a sustainable energy future Energize: Regarding microgrids, what
for all. We serve customers in the utility, battery technologies would be offered? Contact Tamara Naidoo,
industry and infrastructure sectors Hitachi Energy,
with innovative solutions and services Malvin Naicker: Hitachi Energy’s Phone 010 202-5093,
across the value chain. Together with BESS solutions focus on grid support tamara.naidoo@hitachienergy.com

energize | October 2022 | 17