CPUT provides skills for national energy sector
ENERGY: The state-of-the-art substation automation laboratory, the only of its kind in South Africa.
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
With the national energy sector facing a shortage of staff, CPUT has set itself up to play a key role in training highly skilled electrical engineers.
Recently the university launched the Centre for Substation Automation and Energy Management Systems– the only one of its kind in South Africa. It will offer specialised training, research and development in new technologies, which will improve power systems in South Africa.
The Bellville-based centre already received a thumbs-up from the government and industry, who has noted its role in the contribution of a skilled workforce.
EQUIPMENT: The centre received a large number of donations from industry, which included high-tech equipment.
Prof Raynitchka Tzoneva, who is spearheading the centre’s activities, said in 2004 new technology was introduced in the area of Substation Automation Systems, which are complex computer programmes, used by electrical engineers to operate substations and ensure an uninterrupted power flow to consumers.
“All over the world people are using the new equipment and technology. However, in South Africa there is a lack of skills in this sector. Universities are also not producing engineers who are properly trained in the new technology,” she said.
Tzoneva said the centre, equipped with a state-of-the-art substation automation laboratory, will provide students with hands-on experience, ensuring they hit the ground running when entering industry.
TRAINING: Postgraduate Electrical Engineering students and staff members who are currently utilizing the centre for training and research.
The centre, which was funded by the National Research Foundation, a development arm of the Department of Science and Technology and CPUT, will also provide much-needed training for engineers and technicians employed in industry.
LAUNCH: Members of the CPUT community and government officials attended the launch of the Centre for Substation Automation and Energy Management Systems, which recently took place.
Tzoneva said the appropriate training of student and energy practitioners will alleviate a number of problems currently facing the national energy sector.
By Candes Keating
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
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