South Africa opts for incremental smart-grid migration
30 March 2012
Creamer Media's Engineering News - March 30, 2012
State-owned power utility Eskom has started to deploy a hybrid smart grid model that supports its legacy time- division multiplexing management system, while gradually introducing an Internet Protocol (IP) packet communication system, which will enable smart demand-side management, automatic correction and the connection of variable, renewable-energy generation capacity.
However, Eskom acting GM for research, technology and development Barry MacColl notes that the business case still needs to be demonstrated. The utility is optimistic, though, that by deploying smart grids, it will increase the combustion efficiency of its coal fleet, be in a position to monitor and increase the reliability of renewable generation capacity, such as solar and wind, as well as improve the visibility and reliability of equipment.
Category: Energy