This issue of Electricity + Control is released for publication as Eskom shares its 2025/26 Summer Outlook – forecasting no load shedding for the summer period. This turnaround is in large part a result of the utility’s focused and ongoing commitment in implementing its Generation Recovery Plan which has enabled the progressive improvement in levels of energy availability and stability of supply through the past year. It must be acknowledged, however, that it is also in large part due to the now much higher share of renewable energy generation, driven mostly by the private sector. SAPVIA notes that total solar capacity in South Africa had grown to 8.97 GW by 2024, with a significant portion coming from the private off-take market. This has given Eskom the space to address long-neglected maintenance demands in its aging power generation fleet. All round, it is good news for the country and for the economy.
Renewable energy + industrial sustainability is one of the features in focus in this issue of Electricity + Control, alongside other regular features: Control systems + automation and Measurement + instrumentation. Additionally, Transformers, substations + the grid are further key concerns in the current context of South Africa’s electricity supply and distribution.
In Control systems + automation, Beckhoff shares the application case of Dimac, based in Italy, a company that builds parts sorting machines for leading components manufacturers around the world. Dimac chose PC-based control and EtherCAT to support fast parts sorting and open systems in its new generation machines.
In another application report, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa highlights the use of its MOVIGEAR® mechatronic drive system, supplied to a local automotive company, noting the particular advantages of simplified, integrated systems and local support.
In the feature on Renewable energy + industrial sustainability, Frank Spencer, spokesperson for SAPVIA, points to the cost benefits of moving away from grid dependence – for businesses and households and more broadly across industries like farming and mining. He also raises some important questions about the sustainability of the national utility and the supply of electricity as a national commitment for the greater good.
In Measurement + instrumentation leading provider of industrial load cells Minebea Intec, which is represented in South Africa by Precision Control, reports the use of its check weighing instrumentation and monitoring and reporting software at Vital GmbH, well know international producer of food supplements. Vega Instrumentation reports on the use of its VEGFLEX sensors for monitoring levels and interfaces in the production of synthetic bio-fuels, which are making a difference in the move to greener/cleaner mobility. In other news, ifm highlights one of its latest products – the new pressure gauge with LED display for high accuracy measurement and clear visibility in process systems, especially suitable for use in the F&B sector.
As government recognises the need for substantial investment in the national transmission grid, it has opened grid build out to the private sector, inviting bidders to participate in South Africa’s first Independent Transmission Projects Programme. Launched by Minister Ramokgopa at the end of July, the programme is supported by National Treasury with the introduction of a new credit guarantee vehicle to reduce risk for private investors and facilitate an accelerated build programme. This is reported in Transformers, substations + the grid.
We also note that NTCSA has launched the SAWEM School, which presents a compulsory training programme for all companies that are looking to participate in the wholesale electricity market, due to open in 2026.
In this feature we see how South African companies like Trafo Power Solutions are producing custom-engineered electrical solutions for specific projects – as for the mineral sands mine in Mozambique highlighted in this report – confirming South Africa’s engineering expertise and its commitment to serving industries across Africa, where the need arises.
At the same time, international players like EDF are sharing their expertise in developing new clean energy generation facilities in South Africa and Africa, in wind, solar, hydro, BESS and more, connecting to the national grid.
Looking to Engineering the future, Webber Wentzel highlights the introduction of Blue Bonds as a possible means to financing investment in SA’s ailing water supply infrastructure. And Write @ the back, Stephan Jooste of Zutari reminds us of the fundamental reason for shifting to sustainability in all that we do – and argues for staying the course, despite resistance, to create long-term value in a world of escalating uncertainty.
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