Due to the national power shortage and the rising electricity prices, large power and water users like mining houses, commercial buildings, manufacturing plants and the agricultural sector need to address the impact that consumption has on their bottom line and explore technology that can mitigate risks. According to a report by the African Development Bank, poor electricity supply has also proved to be the major constraint to the business sector in Africa and has contributed to lower productivity and levels of competitiveness.
Russell Hughes, event director of the African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa exhibition and conference, says the event will assist the private and public sectors to support the national grid and reduce their power and water consumption. This includes a variety of free energy and water efficiency workshops on the expo floor, with topics including energy conservation at large plants, improving water usage for businesses, and using ISO 50001 to integrate a business energy management plan.
Organisations will hear how they can reduce electricity consumption from the various exhibitors at the African Utility Week. The exhibitors will assist utilities, municipalities and large power users in their endeavours to be more energy efficient.
Hughes notes that there is a strong focus on maintenance at the event as part of addressing the current energy constraints with dedicated maintenance workshops around electrical motor maintenance, ICT tools for water utilities and the ISO 55000 asset management standard with speakers from companies including Pragma, GIBB and Megger.
The event organisers teamed up with other professional industry bodies including the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, the Southern African Association for Energy Efficiency and South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre for the varied series of free CPD-accredited technical workshops taking place on the expo floor.
Hughes says this is a unique opportunity for teams to upskill themselves and obtain practical solutions to improve daily operations.
More than 5 000 power and water professionals from more than 30 African countries and 70 worldwide are expected in Cape Town for the largest utility gathering of its kind on the continent. Entrance to the expo is free.
The City of Cape Town is the official host city of this annual event, and will welcome delegates to the CTICC on 13 and 14 May.
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