ENERGY EFFICIENCY
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A unified secondary plant approach: why renewable projects need integrated protection and control S outh Africa’s renewable energy sector is expanding rapidly, but the pace of delivery is often slowed by the familiar on site. Problems only surface during integrated testing –when delays are most expensive.
multiple vendors work independently,” Mare points out.
Minimising risk through integrated design and testing One of the strongest advantages of SPI is the ability to conduct a comprehensive, integrated Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) before equipment is dispatched. Rather than testing components in isolation, ACTOM validates the entire system (including switchgear, protection, SCADA, communications and plant interfaces) as a fully functioning whole. “This approach ensures that system logic is correct, communication paths are stable, plant signals map accurately to the SCADA system, and Eskom-required data points are fully compliant,” says Mare. “Resolving issues in the factory is significantly faster and more cost-effective than resolving them on site. By the time the equipment arrives at the project, the system has already been proven, reducing commissioning risk and shortening the path to energisation.” Grid-code compliance is one of the most critical and misunderstood elements of renewable project delivery, says Mare, adding that misalignment with Eskom requirements can lead to failed audits, repeated testing and costly delays in grid connection. “SPI addresses this challenge by embedding Eskom’s logic, communication protocols and compliance requirements into the design from day one. This proactive approach prevents last-minute redesigns and ensures a smoother approval process,” he says. The value of a single accountable partner For developers and EPCs, the benefits of having a single integration partner are
“When mismatches arise between plant-level systems and substation controls, teams must scramble to identify the source of the issue. This leads to finger-pointing, duplicated troubleshooting and extended periods when the site stands still. Every day lost increases accommodation, travel and contractor fees, while pushing back the project’s commercial operation date,” says Mare. ACTOM’s SPI solution eliminates these inefficiencies by integrating primary and secondary plant functions into a single, coordinated architecture. Rather than managing protection relays, SCADA, plant data acquisition, communication interfaces A single, integrated framework for secondary systems and Eskom integration separately, the SPI solution aligns them within a single engineering framework. This integrated approach ensures that: • Protection schemes and logic are designed to work seamlessly with plantlevel systems • SCADA and automation functions are aligned with substation requirements • Communication channels are configured to support both plant and gridcode needs • All components are tested together before reaching the site “By engineering the entire system under one roof, the solution removes the mismatches that typically arise when increasingly looking for dependable, cost- effective protection that still carries the quality and safety standards associated with Schneider Electric,” says Canninah Dladla, Cluster President for Sub-Saharan Africa at Schneider Electric. “EasyPact CVS C4 is designed specifically for these environments. It gives our market a reliable, accessible MCCB that meets essential protection requirements without overengineering.” The EasyPact CVS range was originally introduced with protection up to 630A. The new CVS C4 range expands this capability to 1 600A, bridging a long-standing gap in the Easy Series portfolio. This ensures Schneider Electric can now support South African customers across the full LV distribution chain, from the main incoming breaker after the transformer, right down to final distribution. Dladla notes that this broader coverage is particularly important for local project design and standardisation. “By extending the EasyPact CVS range, we are enabling consultants and contractors to standardise on a single, comprehensive solution that aligns with project needs and budget realities,” he explains. “It’s about giving customers choice, whether they need a premium solution for critical infrastructure or a reliable, cost-
and avoidable challenge of fragmented secondary plant integration. When protection systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) development, plant-level automation, and grid code compliance are managed by multiple suppliers, the result is often misaligned designs, conflicting interfaces, and commissioning delays that cost developers time and money. According to Herman Mare, General Manager at ACTOM Smart Technologies, as projects grow larger and more complex, the industry can no longer afford the inefficiencies caused by siloed engineering. “This is the gap that ACTOM Protection & Control’s Secondary Plant Integration (SPI) solution is designed to close. By consolidating all secondary systems under a single accountable partner, the SPI provides a unified, end-to-end approach that supports compliance, reduces risk, and accelerates energisation,” explains Mare. Why multivendor secondary systems cause delays He notes that the most common cause of delays in renewable projects is a lack of coordination among suppliers responsible for different parts of the primary and secondary systems. Each vendor designs and tests their equipment in isolation, often without full visibility of how their components will interact with others technology leader, has launched its EasyPact CVS C4 moulded case circuit breaker (MCCB) range in South Africa, strengthening its Easy Series portfolio with a fit-for-purpose, cost- effective solution designed for non-critical low-voltage (LV) applications. The introduction of EasyPact CVS C4 closes a long-standing gap in the local market by extending the current rating of the easy moulded case breaker up to 1 600A – giving consultants, contractors and end users a broader, standards- compliant option that delivers dependable performance without the cost of a premium system. South Africa’s commercial, industrial and utilities sectors continue to face mounting pressure to balance affordability with reliable electrical distribution. Many projects require robust protection but do not demand the advanced capabilities of high-end circuit breakers. EasyPact CVS C4 responds directly to this need, offering the “right performance at the right cost” for applications across commercial buildings, small to medium industrial facilities, residential developments and general real estate environments.
Herman Maré
substantial. A single point of accountability removes ambiguity over responsibility, enabling faster decision-making, streamlined communication, reduced engineering duplication and fewer disputes during commissioning. “With SPI, all engineering, testing, and site services are delivered by a single team that understands the full system. This creates a more predictable project environment and reduces the risk of unexpected delays,” says Mare. “Renewable energy projects demand precision, coordination and compliance. Fragmented, commissioned systems undermine all three. ACTOM’s SPI provides a unified, proven approach that aligns engineering, reduces risk and accelerates delivery from design through to energisation.” As South Africa continues to scale up its renewable capacity, integrated solutions such as SPI will be essential to keeping projects on track and ensuring reliable grid connection.
www.actom.co.za
Schneider Electric launches EasyPact CVS C4 Schneider Electric, a global energy
effective option for standard applications.”
plays a strategic role in expanding access to Schneider Electric technology across more segments of the South African market. “There is a large and growing customer base that needs dependable protection but is highly cost-sensitive. EasyPact CVS C4 allows them to access Schneider Electric quality and innovation in a way that makes sense for their applications,” he says. The launch strengthens Schneider Electric’s ability to serve South Africa’s full spectrum of LV distribution needs. “From miniature breakers to MCCBs and air circuit breakers, we now offer a complete, accessible and high-quality range. EasyPact CVS C4 is a key part of that strategy, ensuring we can support every segment with the right performance at the right cost,” Dladla concludes.
Designed for safety, reliability and simplicity EasyPact CVS C4 has been engineered to deliver dependable performance while remaining simple to install, configure and maintain. Key benefits include: • Enhanced safety: Certified for isolation in accordance with IEC 60947 2, with positive contact indication and lockable OFF positions to support safe maintenance. • Proven reliability: High electrical and mechanical endurance, with robust performance in varying temperatures, humidity and industrial conditions. • Ease of use: Common snap- fit accessories and simplified configurations reduce installation time and complexity. • Operational continuity: Continuous-rated
www.se.com/za/en
accessories and fault-indication features support system uptime and enable faster response to issues. Suitable for Class II switchboards and compatible with both copper and aluminium connections.
• Flexibility:
Dladla emphasises that the Easy Series
Cost-effective, yet high-quality “Customers across South Africa are
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
AUGUST 2026
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