E-Newsletter for the Power & Energy Sectors of Southern Africa
Issue 101, Aug 2016
Renewables, gas and coal can't match nuclear powered electricity generation
by Knox Msebenzi, NIASA
The Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa (NIASA) has welcomed the recent statements made by Eskom and the Minister of Public Enterprises that nuclear energy is... (more)
The cost of electricity from a new-nuclear build in SA under various assumptions
by Chris Yelland, EE Publishers
Following an analysis of the cost of electricity from Eskom's new-coal build programme in South Africa (Medupi and Kusile coal-fired power plants), several requests have... (more)
An appeal to Eskom to include all role players
by Sisa Njikelana, SAIPPA
The South African Independent Power Producers Association, SAIPPA, has taken note of the recent statement about the decision taken by Eskom regarding suspension of... (more)
Can we believe everything that is presented to us?
by Mike Rycroft, EE Publishers
A recent article on the subject of the credibility of publications and research papers makes the claim that "most published research results are false" and claims that this applies to... (more)
New evidence to Concourt leads to suspension of Koeberg manager
by Aimče Clarke, assistant editor, EE Publishers
A routine letter sent by Koeberg nuclear power station manager, Riedewaan Bakardien, to a wide range of suppliers has lead to his suspension by Eskom, as the utility assesses the impact of the letter on its appeal to the Constitutional Court of South... (more)
MV-integrated PV generation for rural farming areas in the Western Cape
Information from Cigré
Many rural areas within South Africa's Western Cape province exhibit electricity demand profiles which, unlike the overall system, peak during summer. These are typically fruit growing areas, where farming methods and ideal weather conditions... (more)
Hydroelectric power plant capacity quadrupled
by Roger Lilley, EE Publishers
The Bracebridge Falls and Wilson's Falls hydroelectric power stations on the Muskoka river in Ontario, Canada have been upgraded, modernised and extended to over four-times their original generating capacity. This additional power... (more)
Researchers develop new material for efficient and sustainable organic solar cells
Information from Friedrich Alexander University, Nuremberg
A team of researchers from Friedrich Alexander University (FAU), Nuremberg, led by photovoltaics researcher and materials scientist Prof. Christoph Brabec have achieved an important milestone in the quest to develop efficient solar technology as an... (more)
Corona discharge detection using an ultraviolet imaging camera
by Christo van der Walt, Engineering Dynamics and Steven Shi, ULIRVision Technology
By using a high sensitivity ultraviolet radiation receiver, corona and ultraviolet radiation can be recorded to evaluate equipment condition through data processing and analysis. With the likely future increase in power demand and expansion of the grid, failures... (more)
Lightning and surge protection for rooftop photovoltaic systems
Information from DEHN
PV systems will be integral to electrical installations of the future, but they are exposed to all weather conditions and must withstand lightning strikes over decades. The cables of PV systems frequently enter the building and extend over long distances until... (more)
Installation and operating principles for MV switchgear
Information from ABB
Issues concerning the installation site for MV switchgear; the type of information manufacturers require, and measures to ensure the switchgear continues to function correctly. MV switchgear has now achieved an extremely high level of reliability... (more)
Understanding the cost of electricity from Medupi, Kusile and IPPs
by Chris Yelland, investigative editor, EE Publishers
In order to understand and compare the cost of electricity from a power plant, whether it is coal-fired, nuclear, hydro, gas, wind or solar, one needs to look further than simply the capital, fuel or operating and maintenance costs in isolation... (more)
World's first floating nuclear power plant
by Pavel Ipatov, Mikhail Kucheryavenko, Sergey Zavyalov, Rosenergoatom; Veniamin Ryzhkov, Atomproekt; and Dmitry Zverev, OKBM Afrikantov
In 2019 the world's first floating nuclear power plant "Akademik Lomonosov" will begin operation in the most northern part of Russia. But in reality it can be operated anywhere around the world. The floating nuclear power plant is a mobile power unit... (more)
Chemical looping combustion offers a solution to clean coal generation
by Mike Rycroft, features editor, EE Publishers
Coal will still be a major component of the power generation mix for many years to come, and carbon dioxide capture systems will be a required feature for clean coal operation in future. A method which promises to provide the lowest cost CO2 capture... (more)
Mitigating the effect of voltage sags on VSDs
by Mike Rycroft, features editor, EE Publishers
Voltage ride through is a common feature in power quality systems which allows equipment to continue operation (maintenance of the voltage) during voltage dips and sags appearing on the grid. However these systems do not always guarantee... (more)
How service-oriented drive deployments improve VSD driveline uptime
by Philippe Hampikian, Schneider Electric
How the intelligence in variable speed drives can be leveraged to perform predictive maintenance and improve plant uptime. Variable speed drives (VSDs) were introduced to the market several years ago and have since then proliferated across... (more)
Intelligent programmable drives become a control for the entire machine
by Josef Hammer, Siemens
Mechatronics and modular machine concepts hold advantages for the machine builder in terms of simplifying construction and standardisation of the machine, among others. Mechatronic solutions and modular machine concepts are becoming more... (more)
Power developments in Africa
Compiled by Joanne Taylor, EE Publishers
Solar power to supply 70 GWh
Transformers boost supply in Kenya
Off-grid solar power for wildlife conservancy
Gas discovery to be developed
Thermal generation plant inaugurated
Environmental approval secured for Mabesekwa IPP
Morocco to launch wind farm
Solar projects for rural Egypt
Drilling begins for oil, LPG and gas project... (more)
A routine letter sent by Koeberg nuclear power station manager, Riedewaan Bakardien, to a wide range of suppliers has lead to his suspension by Eskom, as the utility assesses the impact of the letter on its appeal to the Constitutional Court of South... (
