FEATURES: Industry 4.0 + IIoT Renewable energy + industrial sustainability Measurement + instrumentation Transformers, substations + the grid
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF SERVICE AND REPAIR OPENING SOON!
This 17 000m 2 state-of-the-art service and repair facility will allow for an expansion of our service and repair capabilities encompassing product repairs, fabrication, light engineering and motor rewinding and repairs. This R380-million investment into the economy will also house our expanded training centre, the DriveAcademy ® , providing crucial skills and training to the South African workforce.
INNOVATIVE CAPABILITIES
SEW-EURODRIVE's service and repair centre's capabilities includes sandblasting, spray painting, oil recycling, product stripping and load-testing.
We have introduced the in-house manufacturing of baseplates and guards, drop-in solutions, light engineering and 3D scanning.
Our motor repairs division will allow for motor assembly and rewinding, curing burnout ovens and rotor balancing
DRIVING SERVICE AND REPAIR. DRIVING AFRICA. DRIVING THE WORLD
COMMENT
FEATURES: Industry 4.0 + IIoT Renewable energy + industrial sustainability Measurement + instrumentation Transformers, substations + the grid
Considering sustainability O ne of the issues we examine in this edition is sustainability – sustainable energy and, in relation to that, industrial sustainability. It cannot go by without comment that it was precisely the non-sustainability of our coal-fired generation fleet that led to the proliferation of photovoltaic and wind energy generation in this country. Many would argue that these technologies do o er a more sustainable future – and there is some truth in that – at least as far as harvesting natural forms of energy (wind and sunlight) as the fuel of the process as it were. Now, without being facetious, there is nothing quite like a crisis to focus the mind and get one well on the way to developing innovative solutions to problems. It does strike me that as a country we are well-known for innovation – and it could well be that we are able to provide an increasing number of those crisis moments to get the creative juices flowing. This also makes one sit back and think about real sustainability. There are many examples of initiatives that seem to speak about sustainability – but are probably more in the smoke and mirrors category. However, consider this: the more we research and investigate alternatives to pretty much everything we do, the more we will be able to create a truly sustainable future. There has been much argument about the recycling of, for example, batteries and even photovoltaic cells. And this can be done. Once we have used a fossil fuel, all we have le basically is carbon and some other stu – and it’s
not good stu . Which brings into focus the option of nuclear bulk energy generation. Without a doubt it is comparable to, if not better than, many newer and greener technologies. Certainly, full life-cycle emissions of a nuclear plant are comparable to a wind energy plant and better than a solar photovoltaic plant. Nuclear is, of course, a bit trickier to build. And we may well find ourselves mining the fuel on another planet – which is not necessarily a bad thing – though it may not happen in our lifetimes… However, compact modular nuclear solutions are becoming increasingly available and are certainly a worthy contender for localised quality power provision. The message of this comment is simply that we moved the dial on more sustainable energy solutions not because we wanted to, or really thought it was a grand and essential idea: we manoeuvred ourselves into that space by pure necessity, and now there is no turning back. So, in a way, we became leaders in the rapid deployment of grid-based alternative energy solutions as well as square kilometres of roof-top solar – for electricity generation as well as water heating. These are solutions to be replicated and built upon. And as time goes by, we will see better and better technologies emerging, making these options more attractive and o ering to ensure a genuinely sustainable future.
As Africa moves towards increasing renewable energy, ensuring the reliability and a ordability of power supply remains always important. VEGA assists in this space – o ering practical, reliable solutions in specialised measuring instruments that help keep energy flowing smoothly. (Read more on page 3.)
Editor: Leigh Darroll Design & Layout: Katlego Montsho Circulation: Karen Smith Technical Editorial Consultant: Ian Jandrell
Publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis Managing Director: Karen Grant
Total audited circulation Quarter 4 (October-December) 2025: 7 176
Published monthly by: Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd Cnr Theunis and Sovereign Sts, Bedford Gardens, PO Box 140, Bedfordview 2008 Printed by: Tandym Print Telephone: +27 (0) 11 622 4770
E-mail: ec@crown.co.za; admin@crown.co.za Website: www.crown.co.za/electricity-control
Ian Jandrell PrEng IntPE(SA), BSc(Eng) GDE PhD, FSAAE FSAIEE SMIEEE
CROSS PLATFORM CONTENT INTEGRATION: * Electricity+Control Magazine * Online Edition * Weekly e-Newsletter * Website* LinkedIn
For Paul Engelbrecht As we publish this March edition, we share with you the very sad news that Paul Engelbrecht, formerly Advertising Manager for Electricity + Control , passed away at the end of February, following a heart attack. This has come as a great shock to all of us at Crown Publications and will no doubt come as shock to many of you who have interacted with Paul over the past few years. We knew Paul only briefly, in the greater scale of time. He joined Crown Publications early in 2024 and quickly found his stride – connecting with people widely across the industry. He worked with focus, pushing through the challenges presented by the fast-changing environment of electricity and smart technologies and a tough economy. His race is run, far sooner than any of us might have expected. Our sympathies are with his family, especially his young children, and his wider circle of friends
Electricity+Control is supported by
and colleagues. Karen Grant Managing Director
The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher, the editor, SAAEs, SAEE, CESA or the Copper Development Association Africa
MARCH 2026 Electricity + Control
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CONTENTS
FEATURES
INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIoT 4 Forces shaping data centre design and operations Vertiv 6 Liquid cooling in African data centres – a turning point in design Leon Kleyn and Floris van der Walt, WSP in Africa 8 Products + services RENEWABLE ENERGY + INDUSTRIAL SUSTAINABILITY 10 Renewables and nuclear to meet a greater share of the power mix International Energy Agency 12 Dynamic control of industrial solar plants and energy storage Stefan Ziegler, Beckhoff Automation 14 Five energy market realities in 2026 David McDonald, SolarAfrica 16 Wheeling is a critical enabler in South Africa’s electricity supply Wayne Cowie, EXSA 18 Battery energy storage takes centre stage Nigel Sun, Sungrow Sub-Saharan Africa 11 Products + services MEASUREMENT + INSTRUMENTATION 20 Products + services Including news from ifm, Comtest and Minebea Intec TRANSFORMERS, SUBSTATIONS + THE GRID 22 Global utilities set out USD 1 trillion investment plans International Renewable Energy Agency 24 Products + services Including news from ABB, ACTOM, Trafo Power Solutions, Legrand, and WEG Africa
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1 Comment
Considering sustainability
3 Cover article Instrumentation – enhancing efficiency in the energy sector 29 Engineering the future South Africa’s electricity sector – what to expect in 2026 31 Write @ the back Africa’s energy paradox: cheap technology, costly finance
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Cover article
Instrumentation – enhancing efficiency in the energy sector
FEATURES: Industry 4.0 + IIoT Renewable energy + industrial sustainability Measurement + instrumentation Transformers, substations + the grid
A s Africa moves towards increasing renewable energy, ensuring the reliability and a ordability of power supply remains always important. Energy companies today face the dual challenge of keeping costs under control and meeting strict regulatory standards. At the same time, they need to use resources wisely and adopt modern approaches to energy storage. VEGA assists in this space – o ering practical, reliable solutions in specialised measuring instruments supported by deep industry know-how, all tailored to help keep energy flowing smoothly. VEGA’s dedication to quality is clear in the precision of its measurement instruments. The devices are designed to deliver accurate data, even when operating in tough environments: extreme temperatures or exposure to harsh chemicals. They’re built to last and ready for the digital world, simple to connect to modern, smart energy management systems. Around the globe, VEGA is helping energy providers work more e iciently, reduce downtime, conserve valuable resources, and maintain safer workplaces. Its advanced level and pressure sensors are essential tools in power plants, wind farms, and energy distribution networks. For example, VEGA’s technology supports reliable hydrogen production, helps coal powered plants meet strict standards and ensures wind turbines, whether on land or o shore, operate at peak performance. In solar power, VEGA sensors keep thermal plants running safely at high pressures and temperatures. VEGA’s maintenance-free sensors make it possible to run geographically remote hydropower facilities in a straightforward way. Wood pellet production and biogas plants also benefit from tailored solutions that keep operations running smoothly. Meeting industry’s needs One of the distinguishing attributes of VEGA sensors is how easy they are to install and use. The VEGAPULS 6X radar sensor can measure distances up to 120 metres with pinpoint accuracy (±1 mm), and the VEGAPULS C 21 o ers a rugged, cable-connected option that works over a distance of up to 20 metres and is supplied with explosion protection. The range includes compact and wireless models, like the VEGAPULS 31 and VEGAPULS Air 41, to suit di erent setups, and the VEGAPULS C 23 extends measurement capabilities up to 30 metres. For detecting specific levels, whether in liquids or solids, VEGA o ers vibrating switches, such as the VEGASWING and VEGAVIB
series. These are designed to handle a range of densities and are available also in high-temperature versions for the most demanding jobs. VEGA’s pressure transmitters, including the VEGABAR 28, 38, 81, 82, and 83, feature
tough ceramic or metallic measuring cells. They o er helpful features like on-site displays, intuitive controls and chemical seals for use with aggressive substances. The product lineup also includes radiometric sensors like the MINITRAC 31 for measuring density and the WEIGHTRAC 31 for tracking mass flow and throughput, expanding the ways to monitor and control processes. Beyond hardware VEGA’s support goes beyond hardware. The company’s interconnected solutions help customers streamline operations and reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Online tools make managing processes simpler, and wireless adjustment using Bluetooth means users can configure and check instruments remotely, even in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas, with the VEGA Tools app. The myVEGA platform gives users easy access to instrument drawings, documentation and order details, making it simple to stay on top of equipment. Additionally, the VEGA Inventory System takes the guesswork out of stock management. By fitting containers, tanks, or silos with VEGA instruments, customers are notified automatically when it’s time to restock. The service soware also enables users to review current measurements and past consumption data, so they can make better decisions and avoid unnecessary downtime. VEGA provides a comprehensive suite of measurement and control solutions designed to help energy companies operate more e iciently, safely and sustainably – no matter what changes or challenges lie ahead.
For more information contact VEGA Tel: +27 (0)11 795 3249
Email: info.za@vega.com Website: www.vega.com
VEGA sensors serve wide-ranging applications in the energy sector, including in wind and solar energy plants.
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Industry 4.0 + IIoT
WRITE @ THE BACK
Forces shaping data centre design and operations Early this year, Vertiv released its Frontiers report, which shows that data centre innovation is continuing to be shaped by macro forces and technology trends related to AI. The report [1] draws on expertise from across the organisation and details the technology trends driving current and future innovation, from powering up for AI, to digital twins, to adaptive liquid cooling.
Scott Armul, Vertiv.
V ertiv Chief Product and Technology O icer, Scott Armul said: “The data centre industry is continuing to evolve how it designs, builds, operates and services data centres, responding to the density and speed of deployment demands of AI factories. We see cross-technology forces, including densification, driving transformative trends such as higher voltage dc power architectures and advanced liquid cooling, which are important to deliver the gigawatt scaling critical for AI innovation. On-site energy generation and digital twin technology are also expected to help in advancing the scale and speed of AI adoption.” The Vertiv Frontiers report builds on and expands the company’s previous annual Data Centre Trends predictions (2025). It identifies macro forces driving data centre innovation: Extreme densification – accelerated by AI and HPC workloads Gigawatt scaling at speed – data centres are now being deployed rapidly and at unprecedented scale Data centre as a unit of compute – the AI era requires facilities to be built and operated as a single system Silicon diversification – data centre infrastructure must adapt to an increasing range of chips and compute. The report details how these macro forces have in turn shaped five key trends impacting specific areas of data centre development. Powering up for AI Most existing data centres still rely on hybrid ac/dc power distribution from the grid to the IT racks, which includes three to
four conversion stages and some ine iciencies. This approach is under strain as power densities increase, largely driven by AI workloads. The shi to higher voltage dc architectures enables significant reductions in current, size of conductors, and the number of conversion stages, centralising power conversion at the room level. Hybrid ac and dc systems are pervasive, but as full dc standards and equipment mature, and rack densities continue to increase, higher voltage dc is likely to become more prevalent. On-site generation and microgrids, will also drive adoption of higher voltage dc systems. Distributed AI The billions of dollars invested into AI data centres to date to support large language models (LLMs) have been aimed at supporting widespread adoption of AI tools by consumers and businesses. Vertiv recognises that AI is becoming increasingly critical to businesses but how, and from where, those inference services are delivered will depend on the specific requirements and conditions of the organisation. Although this will impact all types of businesses, highly regulated industries, such as finance, defence, and healthcare, among others, may need to maintain private or hybrid AI environments with on-premises data centres, due to data residency, security, or latency requirements. Flexible, scalable, high-density power and liquid cooling systems could enable capacity through new builds or retrofitting of existing facilities. Energy autonomy accelerates Short-term on-site energy generation capacity has been essential for most standalone data centres for decades, to support resilience. However, widespread power availability challenges are creating conditions to adopt extended energy autonomy, especially for AI data centres. Investment in on-site power generation, via natural gas turbines and other technologies, has several intrinsic benefits but is primarily driven by the need to address power availability challenges. Technology strategies such as Bring Your Own Power (and Cooling) are likely to be part of ongoing energy autonomy plans.
Digital twin-driven design and operations With increasingly dense AI workloads and more powerful GPUs comes a demand to deploy complex AI factories with speed. Using AI-based tools, data centres can be mapped and specified virtually, via digital twins, and the IT and critical digital infrastructure
The Vertiv™ Frontiers report outlines key trends leading the development of next-generation high-density data centres.
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has become mission-critical for a growing number of operators and AI could provide ways to enhance its capabilities. AI, together with additional monitoring and control systems, has the potential to make liquid cooling systems smarter and more robust by predicting potential failures and managing fluid and components e ectively. This trend should lead to increasing reliability and uptime for high- value hardware and associated data workloads.
can be integrated, oen as prefabricated modular designs, and deployed as units of compute, reducing time-to-token [2] by up to 50%. This approach will be important to achieving e icient gigawatt-scale buildouts for future AI advances. Adaptive, resilient liquid cooling AI workloads and infrastructure have accelerated the adoption of liquid cooling. And conversely, AI can be used to further refine and optimise liquid cooling solutions. Liquid cooling
For more information visit: www.vertiv.com
References [1] Vertiv™ Frontiers report: https://www.vertiv.com/frontiers
[2] Nvidia defines ‘tokens’ as units of data processed by AI models during training and inference, enabling prediction, generation and reasoning. In data centres – particularly those focused on AI and Large Language Models – Time to First Token (TTFT) measures the latency between when a user submits a prompt and when the AI begins to generate the first character (or token) of its response. It is essentially the ‘reaction time’ of the AI system, and is a critical metric for user experience because it determines whether a chatbot feels instantaneous or sluggish.
Industry 4.0 + IIoT: Products + services
Global SCADA systems for Iochpe-Maxion
South Africa based Adroit Technologies has been appointed by Iochpe-Maxion, parent company of one of the world’s largest wheel manufacturers and producers of structural components in the Americas, as its global SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) partner. The partnership will standardise operational visibility, reliability, and control across 34 manufacturing facilities worldwide. It marks a major milestone in Maxion’s digital transformation strategy to unify data integration, cybersecurity, and performance management across continents. “Since deploying Adroit Technologies’ SCADA solution globally, we have connected 15 plants, giving specialists real-time visibility to improve processes and products,” says Esteban Remecz, Chief Information O icer (CIO) at Iochpe-Maxion. “This is a gamechanger. Having a unified system across sites enables us to accelerate problem-solving, reduce downtime, and improve quality.” Esteban notes that the system allows early detection of process deviations and asset behaviour changes, enabling remedial action before major failures occur. “This proactive approach has significantly reduced unplanned downtime and emergency maintenance costs. The ability to plan production and avoid disruptions is a direct result of the intelligent tools and close collaboration we have developed with Adroit Technologies.” Johan Nieuwenhuizen, Sales Director and co-CEO at Adroit Technologies, says the appointment underscores Adroit’s long- standing reputation as a trusted global partner in industrial automation, SCADA, IIoT, and OT cybersecurity. “We have established our reputation over more than three decades as a partner in industrial digital transformation,” he says. Esteban adds that Maxion’s evolution with SCADA systems had reached a point where “simply collecting data on the shopfloor was no longer enough. We needed a partner who could help us unlock the full potential of that data across all levels of the organisation. Adroit Technologies stood out for the technical capabilities it provides, such as advanced visualisation, security, and integration, as well as its collaborative spirit.” From the start, Adroit Technologies demonstrated a deep understanding of Maxion’s needs and a commitment to building a long-term strategic partnership. “That drive, trust, and alignment
From left: Esteban Remecz, CIO at Iochpe-Maxion, Johan Nieuwenhuizen, Sales Director and co-CEO, Adroit Technologies, Hugo Pienaar, Director of Digital Services, Adroit Technologies. were key in selecting them as our global SCADA partner,” notes Esteban. With over 35 000 licences deployed across six continents, Adroit Technologies has proven its ability to deliver scalable, secure, and future-ready SCADA solutions in complex industrial environments. “Iochpe-Maxion required a global partner capable of unifying diverse systems, ensuring cybersecurity compliance and long-term reliability,” Nieuwenhuizen highlights.
Iochpe-Maxion’s objective was to consolidate multiple heterogeneous control systems into a single, standardised SCADA architecture that delivers real-time and historical data aggregation across its global operations. Adroit Technologies met this requirement through protocol- agnostic integration supporting more than 100 industrial drivers, including OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, and BACnet. Built around Adroit Technologies’ SCADA solution and the Adroit Edge Gateway soware, the solution enables
Built around Adroit Technologies’ SCADA solution and the Adroit Edge Gateway software, the solution enables data collection, analysis and integration, unifying operational oversight.
data collection and exchange with enterprise MES and ERP systems, unifying information flows and supporting centralised operational oversight. This architecture provides a secure and flexible foundation for advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, and continuous improvement across all plants. “The system provides real-time visibility into plant operations, ensuring everyone is aligned, informed, and empowered to act,” says Esteban. “We have shied from a fragmented and reactive reality to a proactive, integrated mindset that enables real-time monitoring, early deviation detection, and predictive insights. It allows us to understand each bit of data generated by our equipment and processes.”
For more information visit: https://adroitscada.com/#
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Industry 4.0 + IIoT
WRITE @ THE BACK
Liquid cooling in African data centres – a turning point in design As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in how organisations operate, the infrastructure to support these digital tools is undergoing a major shi. Data centre capacity needs to increase rapidly to power AI processes. And this raises technical challenges in data centre cooling systems. Leon Kleyn, Technical Director: Mechanical, and Floris van der Walt, Senior Mechanical Engineer, at WSP in Africa, look at the rise of liquid cooling – as a response to market demand and an opportunity for Africa’s growing digital ecosystem.
T he African data centre market is growing quickly: research places estimated market value at USD 1.94 billion in 2025 and it is expected to reach USD 3.85 billion by 2030 [1] . The fast increasing demand for high density computing data centres is driving the evolution of cooling systems, seeing liquid cooling assume a central role. Liquid cooling is a technology long understood but only now gaining traction in large-scale data centre environments.
Kleyn notes: “Liquid cooling systems typically use demineralised water, rather than standard filtration.” Beyond demineralisation, engineers also need to prevent scaling and biological growth. This can be achieved by introducing a propylene glycol mixture that stabilises the fluid and inhibits biofilm formation. As van der Walt puts it, fluid treatment forms “a whole new industry on its own”, requiring collaboration between water-treatment specialists, cooling-system manufacturers, and engineers. E iciency and environmental considerations Liquid cooling o ers clear e iciency advantages. “It is more e icient than normal air cooling,” says Kleyn, explaining that the engineered liquid rejects heat more e ectively than air, lowering the system’s energy use. In water-scarce regions like South Africa, the issue of water consumption and e icient usage is a primary concern. “Liquid cooling does not mean significant water use,” Kleyn clarifies. “The system is a closed loop, filled once at commissioning and not requiring additional water during normal operation.” “There shouldn’t be any water consumption in a liquid cooling system,” van der Walt emphasises. “If the data centre registers high water consumption, it means there’s a leak.” The fluid may over time need re-treatment or replacement, although Kleyn confirms this happens infrequently and usually only with technology changes. Opportunities and challenges for Africa Africa’s climate, with high ambient temperatures in most regions, does not restrict the use of liquid cooling. The systems are more than capable of performing optimally under various ambient temperatures. The main challenges facing the adoption of liquid cooling on the continent relate to manufacturing capacity, supply chains and specialised skills. Because Africa does not manufacture coolant distribution units (CDUs) locally, operators fall into global supply queues. This can lead to project delays as larger international projects take precedence in supply chains. In addition, van der Walt notes that liquid-cooled systems are not as forgiving as air-cooled systems. Performance deviations need to be detected and corrected immediately, and this requires specialised skills. On a positive note, this creates significant opportunities for upskilling Africa’s young workforce. Technical development for operations and maintenance sta is critical to ensure the systems operate optimally.” Kleyn says liquid cooling is implemented only where needed.
Why liquid cooling, now? The current relevance of liquid cooling is a direct result of the explosion of AI workloads. Traditional computing relied on CPUs (central processing units) that processed tasks sequentially. AI, however, depends on GPUs (graphic processing units) that process multiple tasks in parallel, which significantly increases energy use and, in turn, heat generation. “We are reaching the limit of what traditional air- cooling systems can do, in terms of performance,” says van der Walt. “Liquid cooling provides three to four times the cooling capacity of air, so it becomes the next viable option.” Although liquid cooling is not new, it has historically not been used due to its relatively high costs, perceived risks and complexity. Now, rising heat loads have pushed technology providers and data centre operators towards solutions that can handle greater heat rejection safely and e iciently. Managing risks and technical complexity The biggest concern is leakage – the risk of liquid coming into contact with expensive electronic equipment. “Leaks are one of the biggest risks,” says van der Walt. “You need strategies to detect and mitigate them.” Another challenge lies in protecting the quality of the cooling fluid. The cooling systems use extremely fine cold- plate channels – at microscopic dimensions – which are highly sensitive to contaminants. Minerals or impurities in potable water can block the channels, which makes ordinary water unsuitable for use in these systems.
From Top: Leon Kleyn and Floris van der Walt of WSP in Africa.
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“Operators will try to use air cooling as much as possible. This is largely because of cost and complexity in the technical requirements for liquid cooling. Demand for liquid cooling is driven by the adoption of GPU-based data processing systems, particularly by AI-focused operators and global service providers expanding into Africa, to improve performance for local users.” When an operator is ready to shi to GPU-based systems, liquid cooling can be implemented in new facilities or in upgrades of existing facilities. According to Kleyn and van der Walt, new builds are easier, but conversions are feasible. Industrial-type buildings with generous volumes and structural flexibility can also accommodate liquid cooled designs if there is su icient power to the site. As AI adoption accelerates across the continent, liquid cooling will increasingly shape the next generation of data centres in Africa. While the technology introduces new layers of complexity, it also o ers significant e iciency gains and positions operators to meet the rising demands of a digital, interconnected and latency-sensitive marketplace. “It yields significant benefits for operators, the environment and the end user,” says van der Walt. As liquid cooling shis
The exponential increase in AI workloads is forcing data centres to increase computing power, in turn raising energy use, heat generation, and the need for more eicient cooling. from being an emerging trend to a strategic necessity, operators of legacy infrastructure and new build data centres across the continent will need to adapt.
References [1] https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/africa-data-center-market
For more information visit: www.wsp.com
Industry 4.0 + IIoT: Products + services
Digital network enables autonomous drilling at Sentinel MIne
Sedna Africa has successfully delivered and commissioned the digital network infrastructure enabling autonomous drilling at First Quantum Minerals’ Sentinel Mine in Kalumbila, marking a major advance for smart mining in Zambia. The project forms part of First Quantum’s broader strategy to modernise operations, improve safety and increase productivity as the company works towards its long-term copper production targets. Sedna Africa was responsible for supplying, installing and commissioning the Rajant Corporation wireless network, which provides the resilient, high-performance connectivity required to support autonomous drilling operations. The network underpins the drill automation system deployed at Sentinel, enabling mobility, low latency communication, high- capacity data transfer and remote operation in a demanding and dynamic open-pit mining environment. The solution was implemented in collaboration with First Quantum subsidiary Trident Mining and global drill automation specialist Flanders Inc. Following successful trials on three drill rigs, the system has demonstrated measurable improvements in drilling accuracy, e iciency and operational safety. Advanced GPS and laser-guided positioning have improved drill precision and blast outcomes, and automation has increased the number of holes drilled by more than 30%. Operators can now oversee drilling activities remotely, reducing exposure to high-risk environments. Sedna Africa Managing Director, Anton Fester said the project reflects the importance of robust digital foundations in enabling advanced mining technologies. “From a technology perspective, autonomous drilling is only possible when the underlying network is reliable, resilient and built for harsh operating conditions.” Commenting further, Fester said: “Our role was to design
and deploy a kinetic mesh network that allows the systems to operate continuously and safely. To achieve this, the Rajant Hawk radios are used to establish the kinetic mesh, together with the Sedna Mobile Highsite Solution to ensure reliable ancillary services, creating a fit-for-purpose solution. The
project demonstrates how designing and implementing the optimal digital infrastructure enables automation to perform as intended, delivering real operational value on site.” “As mining operations move towards greater autonomy and digitalisation, resilient connectivity becomes the foundation for everything that follows. At Sentinel Mine, Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh® network delivers continuous, mobile, and self-healing connectivity that autonomous drilling operations rely on to perform safely and consistently.
Sedna Africa is a leading systems integrator delivering mission-critical connectivity and industrial digital solutions across diverse sectors.
By maintaining real-time communications across moving equipment and dynamic mine environments, we enabled our customer to operate with greater precision, uptime, and confidence. Delivered in partnership with Sedna Africa, this project shows how the right wireless infrastructure translates directly into safer operations and measurable productivity gains,” says Rinus Pretorius, Africa Sales Director, Rajant Corporation. The project reinforces Sedna Africa’s role as a key enabler of digital transformation in the mining sector, delivering proven connectivity solutions that support safer, more e icient and more sustainable mining operations across the continent.
For more information visit: https://sedna.africa
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Delivering design and simulation at scale WRITE @ THE BACK Industry 4.0 + IIoT: Products + services
Hyperworks® 2026 enables faster, more confident design decisions at scale.
time predictions and faster validation. Physics-based AI models can be deployed in secure, browser-based environments, producing results up to 1 000x faster than traditional solver simulations. Expanded support for vectors and smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) broadens domain coverage. Enterprise-scale pre-processing and model assembly Engineers can simulate large, complex assemblies with speed and fluidity, shortening build and validation cycles. Enhanced navigation, batch meshing, and connector management streamline pre-processing and direct data management integration helps ensure consistency across teams. Integrated multiphysics simulation Unified solvers and domain coupling allow engineers to analyse complex interactions – such as thermal-fluid or electromagnetic- structural systems – with greater fidelity. New workflows support e-motor optimisation, battery safety studies, and high-temperature analysis, and co-simulation standards enhance digital continuity. Electromagnetic simulations run up to 40% faster and propagation modelling up to 20x faster with radar and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) analysis expanded for next-generation applications. Automation, collaboration and connectivity Expanded Python and API support, intuitive no-code workflow tools, and cloud integration promote digital continuity. Enhanced visualisation and plotting tools simplify result interpretation and sharing, and seamless interoperability with third-party soware strengthens digital twin fidelity. Realistic particle, fluid, and material behaviour New modelling approaches capture bulk flow, impact behaviour, and high-temperature e ects with greater realism. Python-based automation accelerates discrete element method (DEM) workflows and coupled solvers enable advanced studies of battery safety and material response. Intuitive design and motion exploration A more unified workspace transforms how engineers explore motion and refine geometry. Real-time updates across multi-window views reduce setup time, flexible implicit modelling and direct surface editing remove geometry barriers to creativity. With clear side-by- side comparisons, teams can make faster, more confident decisions.
Altair, a global leader in computational intelligence and now part of leading technology company, Siemens, has released its HyperWorks® 2026 soware incorporating the latest updates. With significant advances in AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and multiphysics integration, HyperWorks 2026 enables engineering teams to accelerate innovation and improve product performance across industries using comprehensive computer-aided engineering (CAE) design and simulation. “HyperWorks 2026 demonstrates how Altair and Siemens are driving the future of simulation and empowering engineers to design smarter, faster, and with greater confidence in real- world outcomes by bringing AI, automation, and multiphysics into a unified ecosystem,” said Sam Mahalingam, Chief Technology Oicer, Altair, and Executive Vice President, Siemens Digital Industries Soware. “Following the acquisition by Siemens last year, our commitment is to create a complete AI-powered portfolio of product lifecycle intelligence soware and further enhance the digital twin.” In use at JetZero JetZero is a pioneering aviation startup focusing on the future of ultra-e icient air travel. It is collaborating with Siemens on the development and production of its blended wing aircra. With this innovative all-wing design, JetZero aims to improve fuel e iciency by up to 50%, reduce noise, and advance the industry towards zero carbon emissions. Key to the fast pace of its development schedule is gaining engineering insights faster than can be done using conventional high fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD), with FlightStream, part of the HyperWorks suite. John Vassberg, Chief Design O icer at JetZero explains: “JetZero is pioneering the next step change in the aerospace industry and, to accomplish that at the scale the industry is demanding, we need a toolset that allows us to work at pace and gain accurate insights early in design – which FlightStream does. It is easy for our engineering team to use, it does not require the traditional high-performance computing resources of high-fidelity CFD, it gets us answers fast and without heavy resource demands. This is critical for companies like JetZero that need to iterate faster than before.” HyperWorks 2026 introduces six key innovations. AI-powered design and simulation Geometric deep learning, generative algorithms and GPU- accelerated reduced order modelling (ROM) enable near-real-
For more information visit: https://altair.com/
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Industry 4.0 + IIoT: Products + services
AI-enabled technology to improve infrastructure resilience Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microso, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure – from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations – changing the way critical assets are managed and maintained.
data focuses on asset lifecycle management but can be strengthened when combined with supporting data, like financials, procurement, and workforce planning, oen found in an ERP or CRM system. This separation typically leads to ine iciencies, data duplication, and limited visibility. By integrating these systems, with Microso’s Agentic business applications, utilities gain: End-to-end visibility – a ‘single source of truth’ for assets, financials, and operations enables better decision-making and compliance Optimised asset management – real-time data flow between EAM and ERP systems for accurate budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation Improved reliability and resilience – predictive maintenance powered by integrated data reduces downtime and extends asset life Streamlined processes – unified workflows eliminate redun- dancies, accelerate work orders, and improve customer ser- vice Regulatory and sustainability alignment – integrated report- ing supports environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and regulatory compliance. The Hitachi Energy solution will be delivered through the company’s network of system integrators, including Hitachi Solutions, a global systems integrator within the Hitachi Group, as the foundational advisor and partner to implementation design. Hitachi Solutions’ recent recognition as Microso Dynamics 365 (Finance) Partner of the Year, along with its extensive experience delivering large-scale global digital transformations, will help accelerate adoption and provide consistent, high-quality outcomes for end users. “Hitachi Solutions is proud to support this strategic reinvention and the tremendous impact it can have to drive new e iciencies in critical OT applications,” said Soichiro Ohara, Chairman & CEO, Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd. “Our role is to drive rapid deployment, integration, and business outcomes, ensuring customers realise the full potential of this industry-leading AI-driven solution.” Driving digital transformation For customers, this integration can become the strategic enabler of their digital transformation priorities. It will empower organisations to move from reactive to proactive operations, leverage advanced analytics, deliver value to customers and help control costs.
Power grids, rail networks, manufacturing facilities, and other critical assets are in many cases decades old and are under pressure from rising demand, extreme weather, and aging components. Failures within these systems can lead to severe cascading impacts, including widespread blackouts, safety incidents, environmental damage, and significant economic losses. Combining Hitachi Energy’s expertise in managing critical infrastructure with Microso’s advanced artificial intelligence and data capabilities, the collaboration enables operators to transition from reactive problem-solving to proactive, comprehensive, data-driven asset lifecycle management – addressing issues before they occur. Hitachi Energy is reinventing its Ellipse Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) with Microso Dynamics 365, Microso Fabric, Microso 365 Copilot, and Microso Foundry – creating a unified solution to manage data, analytics, and business operations. This builds on the strategic alliance between Hitachi, Ltd. and Microso Corp. announced in June 2024, which established plans to embed Microso technologies into Hitachi’s Lumada solutions. The further announcement on 28 January 2026, brings that collaboration to the energy sector, and leverages Ellipse’s 40 years of EAM expertise with Microso’s advanced technology and capabilities. “Hitachi Energy has decades of experience in building and operating the infrastructure that keeps modern life running,” said Massimo Danieli, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Business Unit Grid Automation at Hitachi Energy. “Microso technology enhances value for our Ellipse customers and brings to market a solution that is unmatched in terms of IT and OT capabilities, o ering essential service providers the ability to operate more intelligently and sustainably.” “Critical Infrastructure operators need insight they can act on. Together with Hitachi Energy, we’re combining AI, cloud, and enterprise systems to help organisations move from reactive maintenance to predictive operations, improving reliability, safety, and long-term value for the infrastructure society depends on,” said Dayan Rodriguez, Corporate Vice President, Manufacturing and Mobility, Microso. The solution leverages a combination of Microso’s advanced digital solutions to integrate critical datasets supporting asset operations and providing clear visibility of equipment across entire networks. It can recommend the best time for maintenance based on supply chain, HR, and financial data, helping organisations operate and plan investments more eiciently. This means more reliable services, safer operations, and fewer emergency repairs, which are oen the most expensive and disruptive. The value of integration Traditionally, EAMs (Enterprise Asset Management systems) and supporting systems, like ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning systems) and CRMs (Customer Relationship Management systems), operate independently, making data silos. EAM
For more information visit: www.hitachienergy.com
Hitachi Energy is reinventing its Ellipse Enterprise Asset Management system with Microso technologies.
MARCH 2026 Electricity + Control
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Renewable energy + industrial sustainability
Renewables and nuclear to meet a greater share of the power mix In its latest report, Electricity 2026 , released in February 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) sees global electricity demand set to grow strongly through to 2030, underscoring the need for investments in grids and flexibility. According to the report, global power demand is set to grow by more than 3.5% per year on average over the rest of this decade, with electricity generation from renewables, natural gas and nuclear all expanding to meet the market. E lectricity 2026 is this year’s IEA report on global electricity systems and markets. It
provides in-depth analysis of recent trends and policy developments, and includes forecasts for electricity demand, supply and carbon dioxide (CO´) emissions over the five-year period through 2030. According to the report, electricity demand over this period is on course to grow at least 2.5 times as fast as overall energy demand as the ‘Age of Electricity’ takes hold. This is driven by rising industrial use of electricity, the continued uptake of electric vehicles, higher air conditioning use and the expansion of data centres and AI. Although emerging and developing economies continue to be the main engines of growth in electricity
The latest IEA report on the electricity sector globally forecasts the share of renewables and nuclear in the world’s power mix to rise to 50% by the end of this decade, with growth of natural gas, too.
New analysis in the report finds that as the expansion of grids advances, deploying grid-enhancing technologies and implementing regulatory reforms that enable more flexible grid connections and usage could allow for the integration of up to 1 600 gigawatts of queued projects in the near term. Together, these measures would allow the grid to be used more e iciently and unlock substantial capacity. “At a moment of significant uncertainty across energy markets, one certainty is that global electricity demand is growing much more strongly than it did over the past decade. In this Age of Electricity, the increase in global power consumption through 2030 is set to be equivalent to adding more than two European Unions,” said IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security, Keisuke Sadamori. “Meeting this demand will require annual investment in grids to rise by 50% by 2030. Expanding flexibility will also be crucial as power networks continue to evolve – so will a strong focus on security and resilience.” The report notes that installations of utility-scale battery storage have risen sharply, providing an important source of short- term flexibility. Markets such as California, Germany, Texas, South Australia and the United Kingdom have all seen strong growth in utility-scale battery capacity deployment in recent years. Electricity 2026 also notes that the a ordability of electricity remains a key and growing concern. Household electricity prices in many countries have risen faster than incomes since 2019. Elevated prices are putting pressure on industries and businesses too. As
demand, consumption from advanced economies is also rising aer 15 years of stagnation – contributing to a fih of the total increase in power demand through 2030. The report states that global electricity generation from renewables − boosted by record deployment of solar PV – is now progressively overtaking generation from coal, aer drawing more or less level with it in 2025, based on the latest available data. Nuclear power output also rises to a new record. The momentum behind low-emissions sources of generation continues to 2030, by which time renewables and nuclear are together set to generate 50% of global electricity, up from 42% today. Natural gas-fired output is also set to grow through 2030, supported by rising electricity demand in the United States and the continuing shi from oil to gas for power in the Middle East. Coal fired generation is forecast to lose ground globally, returning to 2021 levels by the end of the decade, as renewables expand. As a result, global CO´ emissions from electricity generation are expected to remain roughly flat between now and 2030. The report emphasises that these trends – growing demand, an increasingly weather-dependent mix of power generation sources, and evolving electricity consumption patterns and technologies – require a rapid and e icient expansion of electricity grids and system flexibility. Today, more than 2 500 gigawatts worth of projects – encompassing renewables, storage, and projects with large loads, such as data centres – are currently stalled in connection queues worldwide.
10 Electricity + Control MARCH 2026
Renewable energy + industrial sustainability
rising risks associated with ageing infrastructure, extreme weather events, cyberthreats and other emerging vulnerabilities. Modernising how systems operate, as well as strengthening the physical protection of critical infrastructure, will be essential to countering these threats.
a result, policymakers are focusing on policies, market designs and regulations that deliver not just additional investment but also greater flexibility and e iciency across all parts of the power system, including demand, supply and the use of infrastructure. The report suggests that greater e orts are needed to improve the security and resilience of power systems around the world, which face
For more information visit: www.iea.org
Products + services
IFC funding boost for solar power in SA
“This is the largest funding facility we have closed,” said Bruno Rauis, Director of Candi Solar. “It propels us into our next phase of growth and strengthens our ambition to be the leading distributed energy partner in India, South Africa, and beyond. IFC’s involvement is catalytic – it builds confidence among global investors and enables us to access larger pools of capital to scale faster in the years ahead.” By blending concessional and commercial components, the IFC-led multicurrency facility (including local currencies), which will support Candi’s growth across key regions for distributed generation, is structured to absorb early-stage financial, operational, and performance risks while maintaining strict ESG and governance standards. This financing structure will support Candi’s next phase of growth and mobilise other global capital to an asset class once considered too risky. “This facility validates our results-based model and its ability to deliver reliable returns,” said KJ Mahoney, Head of Capital Structuring at Candi Solar. “IFC’s involvement demonstrates that distributed solar can meet the highest standards of performance, governance, and impact, paving the way for global investors to support this sector at scale.” “At IFC, we see distributed solar as a powerful lever for accel- erating energy access and e iciency in emerging markets,” said Cláudia Conceição, IFC Regional Director for Southern Africa. “Our partnership with Candi Solar demonstrates how innovative financing models can unlock private capital at scale – supporting small and medium-sized businesses to create jobs, reduce energy costs, and strengthen operational resilience.” Beyond megawatts The facility will directly finance nearly 200 MWp of new projects, with a broader impact on: * Sustainability – advancing clean energy adoption across key industrial clusters to lower emissions * Resilience – strengthening grid stability for businesses and communities facing power volatility * Employment and supply chains – creating jobs and building local industrial capacity * A ordability – giving companies predictable energy costs and long-term competitiveness. Through 2026 Candi Solar aims to expand its contracted portfolio beyond 400 MWp across India and South Africa, deepening its performance-linked product suite, including energy storage solutions. Candi’s evolution reflects the bigger global shi, demonstrating that distributed solar in emerging markets is proven, investable, and central to the world’s clean energy transition.
Representatives from Candi Solar and the IFC at the signing of the funding agreement. Towards the end of last year, Candi Solar, a clean energy company specialising in distributed solar solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses, secured USD 58.5 million in funding led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This syndicated debt funding facility – the company’s largest round to date – brings Candi’s total capital raised to over USD 200 million and positions it firmly in the league of trusted, institutional- grade clean energy providers. The funding will be directed specifically to accelerating commercial and industrial solar projects across South Africa, as well as in India, o ering businesses access to more stable, a ordable, and cleaner power. Candi’s portfolio has more than doubled to 220+ MWp in just 18 months, driven by 85 MWp of open-access projects in India and flagship sites in South Africa, including solar installations at Ngwenya Lodge and at Kings Park Stadium HQ. Candi also powers leading corporations such as IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances SA), Toyota and Pick n Pay, demonstrating the strength of its model across manufacturing, retail, and commercial real estate. A vote of confidence The IFC’s investment reinforces Candi’s role as a trusted partner for businesses on their net-zero journey. The investment comprises: * USD 6.5 million from the Canada-IFC Blended Climate Finance Platform * Up to USD 42 million equivalent for IFC’s own account (composed of rand, rupees, and US dollars) a portion of which is supported by IFC’s Managed Co-lending Portfolio Programme (MCPP) * A concessional loan of up to USD 10 million (mixed local rand and rupees) from IFC acting in its capacity as the implementing entity of the Climate Investment Funds’ Clean Technology Fund.
For more information visit: www.candi.solar/
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