By Webb Meko, Business Development Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Black & Veatch
While microgrids and other distributed energy resources (DER) may prove to be the answer to lighting up Africa’s rural communities, they are also proving to be critical to the success of Smart City programs and the development of the smart grid of the future. The power grid of the future will be a smart system that can accept electricity supplied from various power producers, store at and then distribute it instantly on demand, while still managing demand. To enable such a system requires advanced data management systems, new technologies that ensure security and reliability of supply, as well as new tools that operate along the value-chain including connected end-user devices in homes and businesses of electricity customers and producer consumers. According to the data found in the Black & Veatch Strategic Directions: Smart Cities Report some of the primary drivers of grid modernisation initiatives include broader deployment of smart meters, updating and automation of distribution and substation infrastructure, as well as improved cyber and physical security.More to gain
Despite initial hesitancy many utility service providers are realising they have more to gain financially and otherwise from embracing smart solutions, including long-term cost-savings and greater flexibility that enables them to divert excess power to large-scale industrial and manufacturing consumers. Locally, Eskom has undertaken measures that are creating the foundation for a future smart grid. Furthermore, local universities are actively developing the skills and technology base needed to support the development of a tailor-made South African smart grid.This is an important first step as the current elements of the grid system will still have a role to play, particularly since well managed large-scale centralised assets can prove invaluable in facilitating the transition to a smart grid.
