Eskom has signed phase 2 of the Eskom Power Plant Engineering Institute (EPPEI) funding agreement, in collaboration with several universities.

Speaking at the signing, Minister of Public Enterprises Lynne Brown said the EPPEI project will provide a critical pipeline for South Africa’s energy industry.

During the first five-years of the EPPEI programme, which started in 2012, Eskom invested R129 million, to fund eight specialisation centres at the six universities, which resulted in 134 publications been published and 44 Eskom employees graduating with master’s degrees.

Phase 2 of the EPPEI programme aims to produce 300 masters and PhD graduates as well as upskill another 1 000 students with B-Tech qualifications and artisanal skills. EPPEI phase 2 will run from 2017 to 2021, committing R155 million over five years.

Starting in January 2017, EPPEI phase 2 will execute and enhance eight inter-university programmes that will integrate research efforts. This will create synergy between academic research and practical application, on inter-disciplinary technical challenges at Eskom.

 

Building critical skills

PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates that infrastructure spend in Africa could reach $180 billion per annum by 2025, up from $70 billion in 2014. To fulfil these infrastructure requirements for economic development, the continent has to fill the gap for engineers.

Currently, Africa would have a gap of 4.3 million engineers if the continent were to implement all its flagship projects, according to the Africa Capacity Building Foundation. This may impact Africa’s ability to execute critical initiatives.

“Our continent needs a framework for cooperation on energy policy and implementation of regional projects. This must include cooperation in policies and strategies; sharing and exportation of skills and competencies; unlocking of private sector funding and greater participation throughout the continent,” said Brown.

“Cooperation in these areas will contribute to integrated projects being pursued to attain rapid and shared economic growth and development, and increasing access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power in Africa.”

Brown called Eskom’s EPPEI project a great example that may offer solutions to other utilities, and which is able to harness the growth and development of critical skills for the industry.

“It is only through collaborative partnerships that Africa can find solutions.

“I congratulate Eskom and the University fraternity for embarking on this programme that provides a critical pipeline for South Africa’s energy industry.”