By GE’s General Manager, Steam Power System for Sub Saharan Africa, George Njenga, during the keynote session at the opening of this year’s Power-Gen Africa and DistribuTech event in Johannesburg, has brought it to fore, as contained in a press release issued from GE, on Friday, 21st of July, that technology available today can be employed to create reliable, sustainable, localized and more efficient energy networks.
The GM noted that these new electricity network technologies are no doubt helping countries meet their electricity demands. Adding that sustaining these investments is key to assuring Africa’s growth. According to the release, developing reliable power supplies across the continent is a global priority and a critical necessity to ensure Africa can reach its economic and human potential. Thus, the electricity industry in Africa is undergoing massive transformation and the old linear model of conducting electricity affairs is being challenged and tested, as new models are emerging with far reaching impact.
“Distributed generation, smarter & cleaner steam power, renewables, smart grids, storage, prosumers, innovative financing, evolving energy policies and new political imperatives mean that energy stakeholders need to embrace new capabilities and innovative business models for better outcomes and to bring more power to the population, faster and more sustainable than before.”
The manager reinstated GE’s commitment at delivering improved energy options for countries. He noted that many of the energies being showcased have been put to use with satisfactory reviews all along.
“GE is committed to helping countries meet their growing energy demands with its full spectrum of energy solutions that will help them increase their energy capacity, and improve the reliability of their networks. Many of the solutions we are demonstrating at this event have already been deployed and are making a difference today.”
On the digital front, according to the press release, GE’s Predix based Asset Performance Management (APM) software is being deployed in new and existing installations across the region. This software works by leveraging on data analytics to monitor power generation and transmission equipment health to predict potential failures and thereby reduce unplanned downtime by up to 5 percent, lower operations and maintenance costs, and lower operational risks.
No doubt, developing reliable power supplies across the continent is a global priority and a critical necessity to ensure Africa can reach its economic and human potential. As reported, PowerGen and DistribuTech brings together utilities, financiers and energy leaders from across the region to discuss and develop technical knowledge in the field of electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
Correspondent: Ridwan A. Olayiwola