Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 22 | Page 82

/////////////////////////////////////////// INDUSTRY WATCH truly advance the power sector, a holistic approach needs to be adopted; one that ensures sustainability, reliability and longevity of power supply. “By utilising Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the smarter grids of tomorrow will deliver all-encompassing solutions based on the convergence of operating technology (OT) with Information Technology (IT) and incorporating emerging concepts such as distributed generation and energy storage.” Smart grids will play a key role in the region’s transition to a sustainable energy system through facilitating smooth integration of new energy sources; promoting interoperability between all types of equipment; enabling the growth of distributed generation and its potential incorporation into the main grid; supporting demand-side management; and providing flexibility and visibility of the entire grid. GE’s grid solutions six-step process highlighted in the whitepaper will help utilities along the digitisation journey of their energy infrastructure. n ‘Power is critical’ says Schneider Electric VP According to Taru Madangombe, Vice President of Energy in Southern Africa for Schneider Electric, the energy supply industry is experiencing a new dawn. 82 INTELLIGENTCIO www.intelligentcio.com