The recent Solar & Future Energy Show Africa 2023 demonstrates the critical role of engineers in shaping Africa’s and the world’s energy future and urges greater involvement.
As South Africa and the world grapples with urgent green energy generation solutions, the recent Solar & Future Energy Show Africa 2023, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, proved to be a timely event. And the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) South Africa office was also there to share in this gathering of over 13,000 global attendees, hundreds of inspiring speakers, and innovative brands showcasing the latest tech.
With the growing demand for energy and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, At the Future Energy Show Africa 2023, engineers played a crucial role in showcasing the latest technology and solutions that can help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
With expertise in designing and implementing innovative energy solutions, engineers will have the opportunity to highlight the critical role of their profession in shaping the future of the energy industry in Africa. But what is the role of engineers in promoting environmental sustainability in solar power generation in South Africa and the rest of the world, and what specific skills and expertise do engineers bring to the table?
Considering South Africa’s energy crisis, at the event we caught up with Mfundi Erasmus Songo, a Senior Manager: Substations & Lines in Technology & Engineering within the Eskom Distribution Division, to discuss the role of engineers in creating long-term solutions for all.
The Critical Role of Engineers
Songo noted that many experts in the field already agree that engineers can play a critical role in transitioning towards renewable energy sources by researching and developing newer and better renewable energy solutions.
Furthermore, Songo, who has close to 30 years of engineering experience, highlighted that engineers could identify the shortcomings of current systems and develop improved technology that can drastically reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
“They [engineers] can help to develop efficient and cost-effective systems that utilize renewable energy sources, like solar panels and wind turbines, as well as the accompanying storage systems. Engineers can also work towards reducing energy consumption through smart grid systems and other optimization techniques,” he said.
Along this vein, Eskom, which has been battling with load shedding (controlled power outages) for years, is developing microgrids as a proposed solution to load shedding. Microgrids are distributed power systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the national grid and are charged by hydro and solar energy.
Songo pointed out that cost-effective, environmentally friendly microgrids can help mitigate the impact of load shedding by allowing businesses and households to generate electricity. He said this would provide a backup power source during load shedding or other disruptions to the national grid.
“For conventional electricity to power a small town, you must lay cables that cost around ZAR 1 billion. Whereas with a micro-grid that can power around 50 homes or businesses, it would only cost a maximum of ZAR 50 million.”
