Sparks Electrical News July 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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EATON REINFORCES BENEFITS OF RECENT ACQUISITION AT AFRICAN UTILITY WEEK EATON Africa’s recent acquisition of a controlling interest in Ulusoy Elektrik, a leading manufacturer of medium voltage electrical equipment based in Ankara, Turkey, is set to improve its ability to develop innovative power solutions on the African market. The company shared the various benefits of the acquisition with its customers during African Utility Week (AUW).

For example, the Ulusoy Elektrik portfolio includes gas-insu- lated MV switchgear (GIS) at higher voltage levels (36 kV) than Eaton currently offers in IEC markets, as well as transformers and cable accessories that are not part of Eaton’s portfolio. “The acquisition comes at a perfect time and through this great AUW platform, we can demonstrate modern, sustainable electrical power systems to utilities and municipalities involved in power generation, transmission and distribution. Industrial customers, such as mines and large-scale manufacturers in Africa will also benefit from a wider Eaton product range and increased flexibility in response to their power management requirements,” Kane said.

“The acquisition of Ulusoy Elektrik complements Eaton’s IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission standard) portfolio and strengthens our ability to provide tailored medium-voltage solutions,” said Seydou Kane, managing director, Eaton Electrical Africa. “In addition, it provides us with improved access to the medium-voltage market in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and adds a competitive, high-capability manufacturing base to our existing footprint.”

Enquiries: www.eaton.com

CONFERENCE TO SHOWHOW ENERGY WILL GENERATE JOBS, ECONOMIC GROWTH IN AFRICA N ow the official conference of South Africa’s Department of Energy, the flagship Africa Oil & Power (AOP) conference returns to Cape Town on9-11October,with 20+ petroleumand power ministers to speak on the theme #MakeEnergyWork. As the sole platform taking an integrated approach to oil, gas and power and economic growth, AOP drives tough conversations as Af- rica sees massive advancements in its power sector and moves to develop historic oil and gas discoveries. Under the #MakeEnergyWork theme, AOP 2019 will show how oil, gas and power can generate greater opportunities for the people of African nations and stimulate sustain- able economic growth. The electrification rate in Africa is 43 percent. Despite important advances made in rural areas, this highlights the opportunity that still remains to build and finance energy infrastructure to bring power to 600 million people. Renewable energy holds great promise, particularly in South Africa. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement programme has so far seen the procurement of over 100 IPP projects. In eight years the programme has created 38 701 full time jobs and contributed over $14 billion in private sector investment in South Africa, according to Minister of Energy Jeff Radebe. At this year’s 2019 conference and exhibition, Africa Oil & Power will welcome 1 200 delegates over three days, with more than 20 ministers and dignitaries to speak on themain stage. An expanded exhibition hall will host pavilions dedicated to South Africa’s energy sector, technology and digitization, renewable power, oil and gas services, and more. SOUTH AFRICA’S LARGEST EVER STATOR REWIND I n what has been described as the largest winding installation ever conducted in South Africa, Marthi- nusen & Coutts, a division of ACTOM (Pty) Ltd, has completed a major repair at Eskom’s Ingula pumped storage hydro-electric plant. The contract involved the complete rewind of a 373 MVA stator for one of Ingula’s four 14-pole motor generators. According to Richard Botton, managing director of Marthinusen & Coutts, the 342 MW unit is among the biggest in South Africa with a core diameter measuring 5 m, a core length of 3,2 m and a rotor mass of 500 tonnes. Marthinusen & Coutts carried out the work with a 14- man team, completing the after 100 days on site. Enquiries: www.aop2019.com

Enquiries: www.mandc.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JULY 2019