As the new year gathers pace, in this February 2024 edition of Electricity + Control we see how fast-changing technologies are driving changes in industry at a seemingly ever accelerating pace. In each issue we focus on specific aspects that reflect the interface between energy and information across the spectrum of diverse industrial operations – and all these aspects inform and interact with each other. Together, they enable new insights and support new efficiencies in how industries in different sectors adapt and manage their operations.
In Industry 4.0 + IIoT, Neels van der Walt from Iritron highlights the extended cybersecurity risk that emerges as more companies move to a convergence of OT and IT systems. He outlines how this can be mitigated effectively to make real-time plant data available securely, at scale and cost effectively to a wider range of users within an organisation.
Looking ahead, Jan T’Hart of Yaskawa considers the role robotics will play in manufacturing plants as AI and machine learning, among other advanced technologies, are adopted to develop new capabilities, including intelligent and adaptive decision-making in robots – and improved safety in human-robot interactions.
In Energy management + the industrial environment, the IEA flags energy efficiency as “the first fuel of the energy transition” and at COP28 the agency called for a doubling of energy efficiency within this decade. In this article it indicates how it can be done.
Dr Andrew Dickson of CBI-electric: low voltage suggests that nuclear energy should be considered in South Africa’s transition to a cleaner energy mix. He highlights some of the advantages it presents.
And Nadja Haakansson of Siemens Energy Africa looks at the steps to be taken that will enable African countries to meet their energy needs and, in turn, drive socioeconomic development.
There is also much to learn about new products, services and projects in the energy management field.
Sensors + switches serve many different functions across various industry sectors; in this feature we present just a few of them: from temperature controllers to gas detectors, compact IR cameras for thermal imaging and fire detection, and South Africa’s leading PDS technology developed to support mine safety.
In Plant maintenance, test + measurement, Ian Loudon of Omniflex explains the importance of signal conditioning to ensure consistent, accurate measurement and monitoring in plant operations.
In our regular monthly columns we share some fresh perspectives. In Reskilling, upskilling + training, IRENA celebrates the teachers – from around the world – who are finding innovative ways to teach students of all ages about renewable energy, championing the transition to Net Zero carbon emissions.
At its annual meeting in Davos in January, the WEF released its Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2024, developed in collaboration with Accenture, which provides a snapshot of the multifaceted challenges in the global cybersecurity landscape. Among other concerns, the report spotlights widening cyber inequity and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, as key rising risks.
Looking at Engineering the future, Zhar Research has published a report on the market opportunities available for long duration energy storage beyond the grid.
And Write @ the back, Paula-Ann Novotny of Webber Wentzel outlines key elements of South Africa’s National Environmental Management Amendment Act, promulgated into law in June 2023, which impact on mining as well as on industry more broadly.
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