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Eskom, CSIR to collaborate for improved generation and distribution of electricity
Eskom and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to synergise the research capabilities of the two organisations so as to assist the power utility in its efforts to meet strategic and operational needs.
The overall accountability to manage the agreement will reside within Eskom's Research, Testing and Development business unit. The agreement covers the next five years and is aimed at aligning and enhancing interaction between the organisations in support of national goals.
Dr. Sibusiso Sibisi, the CEO of CSIR, says energy is one of the research organisation's areas of focus. It wants to help the country achieve an energy-secure and low-carbon national economy.
To address its short-term requirements, Eskom says it has identified three imperatives which have been expanded to identify new and existing technologies and capabilities to address specific challenges:
The availability and reliability of the existing asset base:
The organisations will work together on extending the transmission component's lifespan through predictive maintenance; real-time grid monitoring using an advanced fire information system; laser-based refurbishment of high-value components; and the development of a joining technology and non-destructive testing centre to improve build and maintenance quality; analytical testing to ensure environmental compliance; and robotics and unmanned air vehicles for maintenance.
Safely delivering on the new build programme and capacity management:
Research and development will focus on the reduction of water consumption; the development of advanced emission control technologies; the development of components for use in advanced high-temperature gas reactors and modelling of associated technologies; load forecasting; and smart energy management systems.
Financial sustainability:
Aspects to be jointly investigated include security risk management solutions to prevent theft and safeguard high-value assets; cable and infrastructure theft detection and prevention; smart meter protection; and detection and prevention of illegal connections and revenue theft.
Speaking to Energize, Dr. Rachel Chikwamba, the CSIR's group executive for strategic alliances and communication, said... (more)
