Page 27 - Energize February 2022

NEWS

expected to only take off in the mid-2030s. resilience by cutting import dependency and price volatility, and boosting flexibility of
By that time, green hydrogen will cost- the energy system. However, the raw materials needed for hydrogen and renewable
compete with fossil-fuel hydrogen globally, technologies could draw attention to material security. Shortages and price fluctuations
poised to happen even earlier in countries could reverberate through hydrogen supply chains and negatively affect cost and revenues.
like China, Brazil and India. Green Shaping the rules, standards and governance of hydrogen could lead to geopolitical
hydrogen was already affordable in Europe competition or open a new era of enhanced international cooperation. Assisting particularly
during the 2021 spike in natural gas prices. developing countries to deploy green hydrogen technologies and advance hydrogen industries,
Refurbishing natural gas pipelines is likely could prevent the widening of a global decarbonisation divide and promote equity and
to further boost demand and facilitate inclusion, creating local value chains, green industries and jobs in renewable-rich countries.
hydrogen trade.
Countries with ample renewable Read the “Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: The Hydrogen Factor”
potential could become sites of green
industrialisation, using their potential Watch the geopolitics video
to attract energy-intensive industries.
Furthermore, having a stake in the About the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
hydrogen value chain can boost economic IRENA is the lead intergovernmental agency for the global energy transformation which
competitiveness. The manufacturing of supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future and serves as the
equipment like electrolysers and fuel principal platform for international co-operation, a centre of excellence, and a repository
cells, in particular, could drive business. of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. With 167
China, Japan and Europe have already Members (166 States and the European Union) and 17 additional countries in the accession
developed a head start in the production, process and actively engaged, IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use
but innovation will shape the current of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access,
manufacturing landscape further. energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.
Green hydrogen may strengthen
energy independence, security and Contact Nicole Bockstaller, IRENA, nbockstaller@irena.org

Simplified safety compliance testing

Fluke’s PRV240 reduces the risk of shock and arc flash

omtest is offering Fluke’s unique tester to the market, in that it sources both AC
and DC steady-state voltage for high impedance (Hi-Z) and low impedance (Lo-Z)
Cinstruments, thus simplifying safety compliance testing.
The Fluke PRV240 Proving Unit provides a safe and convenient method for “test before
touch” TBT verification of electrical test tools without placing the electrician or technician in
potentially hazardous electrical environments, which would generally involve using known
live voltage sources.
In contrast to using a known live source, using the PRV240 does not require personal
protective equipment (PPE) for tester verification. Use of the PRV240 reduces the risk of
shock and arc flash compared to verification of test instruments on high-energy sources
in potentially hazardous electrical environments, because the PRV240 provides a known
voltage in a controlled, low-current state in accordance with safe work practices.
The pocket-sized PRV240 sources 240 V of both AC and DC steady-state voltage for Click here for more information
testing of both high- and low-impedance multimeters, clamp meters, and two-pole testers, on the Fluke PRC240
eliminating both the need for multiple verification tools and the use of a known high-energy
voltage source for test instrument verification. Click here for videos on
To avoid accidental contact, the voltage is supplied through recessed contacts that are Fluke products
activated only when test probes are inserted into the module’s insulated access points. A
single LED indicates the sourcing of the voltage to verify the test tool, simplifying test tool Contact Comtest, Phone 010 595 1821,
verification without the need for PPE. sales@comtest.co.za,
The proving unit can perform up to 5000 tests per set of four AA batteries and comes www.comtest.co.za, on
with a TPAK magnetic hanging strap for easy accessibility. FaceBook and LinkedIn

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