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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