Energy space in the spotlight
LEADING figures within the African energy space will assemble at the Africa Energy Indaba to discuss the significance of digitalisation and Internet of Things (IoT) at a time when the energy sector is experiencing a major transition.
The indaba will host forums on digitalisation and its implication for the continent’s energy space.
Digitalisation within the African energy sector is accelerating at a rapid pace, creating a demand for innovation adaptation to new market technologies and the development of new skill sets within businesses. By 2026, $300billion could be added to the continent’s economy if countries decide to adopt digitalisation.
However, emphasis should be placed on an African approach in order to implement disruptive technologies in an appropriate way.
It’s essential that aspects specific to the African continent be welldefined within its unique context before developing and executing a relevant digital strategy.
There are so many areas that digital opportunities can enable and influence. It remains critical that energy leaders map out digital opportunities, determine the priority areas in their countries’ own context and how to develop talent to leverage those opportunities.
The digital realm represents both an opportunity and a challenge to the African energy sector. Digitalisation contributes to job creation and opportunities.
Advancements, such as renewables, clean coal and nuclear, energy storage, off-grid technologies and smart grids, make allowance for new investment and development opportunities. It has the capacity to upskill workers, improve capital productivity and labour efficiency, as well as bring about better energy security, accessibility and affordability – promoting economic and societal benefits.
Digitalisation can equip Africa with a multitude of innovative solutions for its people. In addition, it has the capacity to collect data used to gain insights to further boost efficiency and productivity.
Digital solutions help energy systems to be more effective in different ways:
They assist in managing the intermittent issues of renewables.
They support predictive supply chain management, thereby minimising the number of blackouts from technical reasons.
They’re a method of sharing data. For instance, enabling rural entrepreneurs to monitor technology, thereby empowering them.
They enable systems through blockchain.
This new-wave revolution also brings with it a host of risks and challenges, among which is the preparedness of Africa in embracing digitalisation, as the continent will be exposed to increasing threats related to data security and ownership, server locations and cyber security.
Another barrier to adoption that Africa faces is connectivity. IoT requires efficient internet connections, creating a need for available resources such as network capacity and bandwidth.
The 11th annual Africa Energy Indaba under the theme Africa’s Energy Future will take place over two days (February 19 and 20) in Sandton.
| Dr Christoph Frei is the Secretary-General of the World Energy Council.