In a market where reliability, installed base and after-sales confidence often determine buying decisions, these brands are giving the company a powerful springboard into both established and emerging mining jurisdictions.

“We are fortunate to be associated with quality brands,” Jordan Marsh, Managing Director of Integrated Pump Technology, says. “Right from the get-go, that was something the company wanted to do – to align itself with good, reputable brands.”

Integrated Pump Technology supplies Grindex electrical submersible pumps for underground and surface dewatering applications. For diesel-driven surface dewatering, the company relies on Godwin, a name that is deeply entrenched in mining across the continent.

Godwin already has a massive installed base throughout Africa. This kind of presence means that in many replacement programmes, Godwin is already on the specification or preferred-supplier list. Integrated Pump Technology aims to convert that brand recognition into sustained growth by offering something more than just supply.

On the Grindex side, the strategy is similar: build on strong product fundamentals, while localising as much of the commercial and technical value as possible. The company imports Grindex pumps directly from Sweden and is now the OEM’s biggest distributor worldwide, giving it leverage, attention from the factory and the ability to shape Grindex’s African strategy.

What sets Integrated Pump Technology apart is how it uses these brands to gain a practical advantage on the ground. For Godwin, that has meant pushing beyond simple import and resale. The company has been granted the licence to build Godwin wet ends locally.

“We’ve been given the licence to build through our own local builds, which we said we need to do to be competitive, not only from a pricing point of view, but from a lead time point of view,” Marsh states.

On the Grindex side, Integrated Pump Technology’s autonomy allows it to tailor stockholding, marketing and technical support specifically for African conditions. That includes building regional distributor networks in the DRC, Zambia and Tanzania, and ensuring those partners are technically up to speed.

In many African mining markets, the comfort factor associated with a known brand can be decisive, particularly where the cost of failure is high. “Just by the very nature of being associated with those brands, it drives a lot of inquiries our way. Companies then have comfort in dealing with us, knowing that we are dealing with two quality brands,” Marsh adds.

Furthermore, by coupling that brand assurance with fast response, on-site audits and training, Integrated Pump Technology can lock in long-term relationships. “More important that just selling a pump is the capability to really back it up with good aftermarket sales service and technical expertise,” he points out.

By combining global brand equity, local build and stock and specialist aftersales service, Integrated Pump Technology is turning recognised pump names into a powerful growth engine. As a result, it is opening doors for the company across the continent and anchoring its expanding footprint in some of the world’s toughest dewatering environments.

www.pump-technology.com

It’s the reply no equipment manager wants to receive. Noticing that parts for their industrial gearboxes, like gear drives and tooth wheels, are running very low, they reach out to the original equipment manufacturer to order more.

Instead, the OEM informs them that the last parts had been sold. The queried models are no longer in production, and they don’t have the tools anymore to produce the gearboxes or their parts.

Companies run industrial gearboxes for decades, during which vendors can leave, no longer support legacy units, and stop producing relevant parts. What choices do the owners of those gearboxes have left? Is replacement their only option? 

Reverse-engineering legacy parts

WEG Africa’s turbine workshop has a superior alternative. It uses 3D scanning to reverse-engineer, document, and manufacture components for gearboxes, turbines, and compressors, expanding their lifespans.

“We frequently service equipment that outlasted its supplier’s support lifespan,” says Alastair Gerrard, Executive of Energy Systems at WEG Africa. “This is a major issue with turbines and gearboxes. There has been a lot of vendor consolidation, and many brands are no longer available regionally, especially in terms of workshops and spare parts. But legacy equipment can run for decades, and there’s no reason to replace it, until you can’t get spares. That’s why we established our reverse-engineering services.”

WEG’s workshop covers industrial gearboxes, turbines, and compressors. Its maintenance experts cover all major vendor brands. They conduct onsite inspections and repairs, produce detailed reports, and can conduct stripping and rebuilds onsite or at WEG’s workshop in Johannesburg.

The workshop includes a reverse engineering service, using 3D scanning technologies such as the FARO ScanArm to scan parts with exceptional precision, then producing detailed schematics. Having the full weight of WEG behind it, the workshop also has access to local and international professionals and manufacturing sites. 

“We’ve worked with machines where nobody has seen the plans in many years. We scan and replicate parts, produce 3D drawings for the owners, and tool their replacement. In some cases, we even improve the part for better performance and longevity. It’s a massive relief for our customers, knowing they can keep a crucial gearbox going rather than taking the very expensive and disruptive replacement route.”

Extending the lifespan of legacy gearboxes

This type of service is particularly attractive to mines, which use dozens of gearboxes on conveyors, crushers, mixes, compressors, cranes, and many other utilities. Well-maintained gearboxes can run for at least a decade, even longer. 

But even the best-observed maintenance schedule cannot compensate for a missing part. Precision reverse-engineering fixes this issue and extends equipment lifespans. When the vendor has disappeared and parts stockpiles have dried up, obsolescence is no longer the only option. 

Legacy equipment owners can contact WEG Africa to find out more. They can also find more information and meet workshop representatives at Electra Mining Africa 2026, 7-11 September at Nasrec in Johannesburg, on WEG’s stand.

For more info, please visit WEG

The new resources, made possible through Engen’s Community Dealer Partnership Programme (DCPP), were handed over to the school on Thursday, 20 August, 2026 as part of Tierberg’s continued commitment to supporting the school and the surrounding community.

The DCPP enables Engen to partner with its dealers on initiatives that uplift, educate and empower communities in the areas surrounding Engen service stations.

The laptops will provide additional digital resources to support teaching and learning, while the six whiteboards will enhance classroom-based teaching and contribute to a more effective learning environment for learners and educators.

Attending the handover, Parow East Primary School Principal, Mrs M Heyns said access to technology and appropriate classroom equipment helped to create a more engaging learning environment and supported teachers in delivering quality education. “We are grateful to Engen and the Tierberg team for recognising the needs of our school and for their continued support.”

The latest contribution builds on a longstanding relationship between Engen Tierberg Convenience Centre and Parow East Primary School. Over the years, Tierberg Dealer Ralph Bochnig has supported the school through a range of initiatives, including a R10 000 financial contribution, lunch packs for the school’s sports tour, support for its Mini-Sports Day, contributions towards World Teachers’ Day, Colour Run activities and the Bread for My Buddy campaign.

“Our relationship with Parow East Primary School has developed over time, and we are pleased to continue supporting the school in practical ways,” says Bochnig. “We believe education is an important investment in the future, and we hope these laptops and whiteboards will make a lasting difference to teachers and learners.”

Parow East Primary School serves learners from Parow and surrounding suburbs, many of whom come from low-income households. In addition to its educational role, the school provides support to learners and families facing financial challenges, including through initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity.

Engen CSI Manager Olwethu Mdabula says Engen encourages and supports its dealers to engage with and contribute to their local communities.

“We commend Ralph and the Tierberg team for their continued support of Parow East Primary School helping to uplift and empowerment.”

We commend Ralph and the Tierberg team for their continued support of Parow East Primary School. Their commitment is helping to create better learning opportunities for learners while making a practical difference to the school and its community.”

Without proper insulation, a metal building can become excessively hot during summer, uncomfortably cold in winter, noisy during rainfall, and vulnerable to condensation-related damage. The right insulation transforms a metal structure from a simple shell into a comfortable, efficient, and productive environment.

The Unique Challenge of Metal Buildings

Unlike traditional masonry or concrete construction, metal is highly conductive. This means heat moves rapidly through the building envelope. During hot weather, solar radiation can cause roof and wall temperatures to rise significantly, transferring heat into the occupied space. During colder conditions, valuable indoor heat can escape just as quickly.

This creates several challenges:

• Increased energy consumption
• Indoor temperature fluctuations
• Condensation and moisture problems
• Reduced occupant comfort
• Excessive noise transmission
• Potential damage to stored goods and equipment

Quality insulation addresses all of these issues simultaneously.

Thermal Performance: Keeping Heat Where It Belongs

One of the primary functions of insulation is controlling heat transfer.

Factorylite® insulation is specifically designed to resist conductive and convective heat flow, providing measurable thermal resistance that helps maintain stable internal temperatures. According to the Factorylite® performance data, thermal resistance values (R-Value) range from R-1.28 for 50 mm thickness up to R-3.46 for 135 mm thickness.

In practical terms, this means:

• Cooler interiors during summer
• Reduced heat loss during colder months
• Lower HVAC operating costs
• Improved occupant comfort throughout the year

Unlike radiant barriers, which rely largely on reflectivity and air gaps to perform, bulk insulation such as Factorylite® continues to provide thermal resistance regardless of whether perfect air gaps are maintained.

Preventing Condensation in Metal Buildings

Condensation is one of the most common problems experienced in metal structures.

When warm, humid air comes into contact with a cooler metal surface, moisture forms. Over time, this can lead to:

• Dripping roofs
• Corrosion of metal components
• Damage to inventory or equipment
• Mould growth
• Reduced structural lifespan

Properly installed insulation helps maintain more stable internal surface temperatures and reduces the likelihood of condensation forming on roof sheeting and cladding. This is particularly important in industrial and agricultural applications where moisture can affect products, machinery, and livestock.

Different Building Types Have Different Requirements

Manufacturing Facilities and Factories

In manufacturing environments, temperature control has a direct impact on productivity. Excessive heat can create uncomfortable working conditions, increase fatigue, and affect equipment performance.

Factorylite® provides thermal comfort while also offering excellent sound absorption, helping create a safer and more productive working environment. Its acoustic performance (NRC approximately 0.70) helps reduce noise levels generated by machinery and operations.

Warehouses and Distribution Centres

Warehouses often contain temperature-sensitive inventory. Poor insulation can lead to heat build-up beneath roof sheets, resulting in higher cooling costs and potential damage to stored goods.

Proper insulation helps protect inventory while improving energy efficiency across large floor areas.

Agricultural Buildings

Poultry houses, dairy facilities, feed storage buildings, and other agricultural structures face unique challenges relating to temperature and moisture.

Maintaining stable temperatures can improve livestock welfare and productivity while reducing stress caused by extreme environmental conditions. Effective insulation also helps minimise condensation, which is critical in moisture-rich agricultural environments.

Commercial and Retail Buildings

Customers and employees expect comfortable indoor conditions regardless of the weather.

In retail environments, insulation contributes to:

• Consistent temperatures
• Reduced air-conditioning loads
• Improved customer comfort
• Lower operating expenses

A comfortable shopping environment often translates into longer customer dwell times and a better overall experience.

Aircraft Hangars and Workshops

Large-span structures such as hangars and workshops are notoriously difficult to heat and cool.

Insulation helps minimise extreme temperature swings while providing acoustic benefits. This is particularly valuable where staff spend extended periods performing technical or maintenance work.

The Acoustic Advantage

Many people associate insulation only with temperature control, but acoustics are equally important.

Metal roofing and cladding can amplify external noise from:

• Rainfall
• Hail
• Wind
• Machinery
• Industrial operations

Factorylite®’s glasswool construction provides significant sound absorption, helping reduce reverberation and internal noise levels. In contrast, radiant barrier systems offer little to no acoustic benefit.

For factories, workshops, schools, churches, sports facilities, and commercial buildings, improved acoustics can have a meaningful impact on comfort and usability.

Fire Safety Should Never Be Compromised

When specifying insulation for metal buildings, fire performance is a critical consideration.

Factorylite® is classified as non-combustible, with a glasswool core that complies with SANS 53501 (South Africa’s reaction-to-fire classification standard for building and thermal insulation products). The product does not contribute fuel to a fire, making it particularly suitable for industrial, commercial, and warehouse applications where fire protection is a priority.

This is an important distinction when comparing insulation products that may prioritise reflectivity or vapour control but offer different fire performance characteristics.

Built for Long-Term Performance

A metal building is often expected to perform for decades. The insulation selected should be equally durable.

According to the Factorylite® product information, the insulation:

• Does not absorb humidity
• Resists mould, fungi, and bacteria growth
• Requires minimal maintenance
• Can provide a lifespan of up to 50 years when kept dry

This long-term durability contributes significantly to the overall lifecycle value of the building.

Conclusion

A metal building is only as effective as the system protecting it from heat, cold, noise, and moisture. Whether the structure is a factory, warehouse, agricultural facility, workshop, retail centre, or aircraft hangar, insulation plays a vital role in determining operational efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term performance.

Factorylite® goes beyond simply reflecting heat. As a true bulk insulation solution, it provides thermal resistance, acoustic absorption, fire safety, durability, and moisture control, helping metal buildings perform exactly as they were designed to.

In today’s environment of rising energy costs and increasing performance demands, choosing the right insulation is not an upgrade. It is an essential investment in the functionality, efficiency, and longevity of every metal building.

Join the team at the Annual Sasolburg Petrochemical Roadshow 2026

Free Entry! Register now to attend: Click here

Transnet takes allegations of procurement irregularities seriously. In October 2024, Transnet
Port Terminals (TPT) received a whistleblower report alleging irregularities relating to two
tenders. TPT Chief Executive Jabu Mdaki immediately instituted an internal investigation into
the allegations. Following the outcome of this process, an external forensic investigation was
also commissioned and undertaken by Fundudzi Forensic Investigations.

The preliminary findings of the external investigation, received in April 2026, resulted in the
precautionary suspension of the Managing Executive responsible for TPT’s Richards Bay
operations. Transnet is implementing the recommendations arising from the investigation,
while further investigations into other matters raised in the preliminary report remain
underway. The preliminary report made no findings against the TPT Executive Committee.

These investigations have resulted in tangible action, including the restriction of seven
companies through National Treasury processes, and disciplinary action against employees
implicated in theft, corruption and fraudulent activities. To date, 45 employees, including
managers, have been dismissed.

A number of investigations and disciplinary processes remain underway, including matters
relating to Richards Bay Terminals. Where necessary, these processes are being pursued in
collaboration with relevant law-enforcement agencies. In this regard, following the Fundudzi
investigation, Transnet has logged a formal complaint with the Directorate for Priority Crime
Investigation (DPCI) in terms of section 34 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt
Activities Act. The matter has been referred to the Durban Serious Corruption Investigation
Unit.

Transnet is also strengthening its governance and control environment in response to the
findings and recommendations arising from these processes.
Transnet has also noted unsubstantiated statements in recent reports regarding the alleged
involvement of certain executives in the blacklisting processes. While Transnet respects the
role of the media in reporting matters of public interest, it is important that allegations are
appropriately verified and that reporting reflects the available facts.
Several of the executives named were either not employed by Transnet or were not involved
in the relevant process when the blacklisting process commenced in April 2022. The
blacklisting process fell within the relevant Governance functions, and the individuals
concerned did not have a role in processing the matter.

Transnet remains committed to the highest standards of governance, accountability and
integrity and maintains a zero-tolerance stance towards fraud, theft, corruption and any form
of impropriety. The organisation will investigate credible allegations, take appropriate action
where wrongdoing is established and strengthen its controls to protect the integrity of its
operations.

Further information will be provided at the appropriate time, subject to the requirements of
ongoing investigations and applicable law.

Issued on behalf of Transnet SOC Ltd
For Media Enquiries:
Mediadesk@transnet.net

Traditional oil analysis has provided maintenance teams with valuable insight for decades. However, periodic sampling offers only a snapshot in time of what is happening inside a machine. Between samples, a significant change in oil condition can occur without warning. Real-time oil analysis changes the equation by turning lubrication from a periodic inspection into a continuous source of machine-health intelligence.

This is where Yateks®Africa’ advanced oil quality sensing technology offers an important step forward.

From reactive maintenance to predictive action

Real-time oil condition monitoring allows maintenance teams to see developing problems as they happen rather than discovering them after damage has occurred. Yateks® systems can monitor critical parameters including viscosity, density, temperature, dielectric constant, moisture and water activity, depending on the sensor configuration. The YTS 6-in-1 sensor, for example, provides six oil-condition parameters with data refreshed every second.

Why does that matter?

A sudden change in viscosity can indicate lubricant degradation or contamination. Rising moisture levels can signal water ingress. Changes in dielectric properties can provide an indication of oil degradation and contamination. Temperature trends can reveal abnormal operating conditions. Together, these signals create a much clearer picture of both oil health and machine health.

Instead of asking, “Is the oil still acceptable?”, maintenance teams can begin asking the more valuable question: “What is changing, why is it changing, and what should we do about it?”

Continuous data, smarter maintenance decisions

Yateks’ real-time monitoring solutions can connect sensors installed in an oil circuit to PLC systems or to a cloud-based Industrial IoT platform. This enables equipment information and oil-condition data to be monitored remotely, with early-warning notifications and maintenance recommendations based on changing oil conditions.

For preventative maintenance teams, Yateks® sensors create a powerful opportunity to intervene before a developing fault becomes a production event.

Yateks®Africa can also help eliminate unnecessary oil changes. Rather than replacing lubricant simply because a calendar-based service interval has been reached, maintenance personnel can make decisions based on actual oil condition. Yateks’ portable YOT analyser similarly supports condition-based oil changes by measuring parameters including viscosity, density, temperature, dielectric constant, moisture and particle counts, as per ISO4406

The result is a more intelligent maintenance strategy: use the oil when it is fit for purpose, change it when the data indicates that it is necessary, and act quickly when abnormal trends emerge.

Technology designed for industrial reality

Yateks’ technology is built around advanced sensing and data processing. Its YTS 6-in-1 sensor uses piezoelectric resonant MEMS technology and an integrated high-precision signal processing system, while its robust 316 stainless-steel construction is designed for demanding industrial environments.

The company’s technological credentials further reinforce its focus on product development. Yateks® states that it holds five software copyrights, 16 invention patents and eight utility-model patents, and achieved ISO 9001 quality management system certification in 2013. Yateks’ YFM8 oil-debris sensors have also undergone SGS environmental and regulatory testing and received an SGS Premium Performance Certificate under the SGS Sensor Trust programme.

Turning reliability into profitability

Ultimately, the value of real-time oil analysis is not simply better oil data. It is better business performance.

Every avoided unplanned stoppage protects production. Every early intervention can prevent secondary component damage. Every unnecessary oil change eliminated saves lubricant, labour and disposal costs. And every additional hour of reliable machine availability contributes directly to operational profitability.

As industrial plants become increasingly automated and production targets become more demanding, maintenance teams need information that is immediate, actionable and continuous.

Yateks® real-time oil quality sensors and monitoring solutions provide exactly that bridge—from periodic oil sampling to continuous machine intelligence.

For organisations serious about preventative maintenance, maximising asset performance and reducing the financial impact of unexpected failures, real-time oil analysis is no longer simply an emerging technology. It is becoming an essential part of the modern reliability toolkit.

Join the team at the Annual Sasolburg Petrochemical Roadshow 2026

Free Entry! Register now to attend: Click here

Mines are heavy power consumers. While that primarily stems from heavy industrial machinery and equipment across vast sites, a growing portion relates to the digital side of mining. Supporting automation, sensors, and data processing requires a growing share of mining power, either directly from facilities owned by the business, or indirectly through partners that provide technology facilities such as data centres.

The ability to power digital infrastructure is particularly important in sub-Saharan Africa, says Louis Kotze, Executive for Generator Sets at WEG Africa.

“Many regions in Africa have a shortage of sufficient and reliable power infrastructure, and mines can’t always wait for planned developments to come online. They often now build their own power systems. But there is one area they still often overlook, which is what will power the digital infrastructure that support them?”

Are data centres ready?

Digital infrastructure includes office spaces and network towers, but data centres are the best example. Mines rely on data centres for vital digitisation, such as automation and analytics. No modern mining operation will be efficient and reliable without their support.

This is where power becomes a deal-breaker. These sites, whether large or small, are serious energy users. An “edge” data centre, which is becoming a common part of mining operations, can draw several megawatts. Consumption jumps considerably higher for central data centres that handle bulkier, high-demand computing activities.

Running a data centre isn’t feasible if there isn’t sufficient and reliable energy. Mines evaluate data centre sites on factors such as cost and connectivity. Energy is another important consideration, especially in regions where the energy supply falls short. Yet, mining operators can overlook this when evaluating their third-party suppliers, says Kotze.

“You might think, ‘This data centre is near a city, so it will have access to power.’ But that’s not guaranteed, since data centres often compete for power in communities. Also, grids fail and take the data centre offline. Data centres are like mining equipment. They don’t handle interruptions well and can take time to start up again. You don’t want to use a site that can lose power.”

Generators close energy gaps

How will a data centre site, owned by the mine or a third party, ensure reliable power? Generators are a big part of that answer.

“Mining companies look to renewable energy sources and BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) to address overall power demand. They should also look for generators at a data centre because those provide immediate power. It can take a while for a data centre to recover from power failures. That’s why the best sites don’t allow that to happen. They use customised and hybrid generator systems, some comparable to small power plants, to ensure electricity keeps flowing.”

These measures matter to mines. When they evaluate data centre facilities in a region, they want to see appropriate generator systems. But what does such a system look like? How would a mine measure a data centre’s generator setup?

Areas to look at include:

• The generator’s DCP (Data Centre Power) rating
• Uptime certification of the generator system
• Cold start times, ‌power redundancy, and backup infrastructure
• Integration with other site energy sources, such as solar and battery storage
• Management of total harmonic distortion for sensitive computing systems

Such considerations will illuminate how prepared a data centre is to handle mining’s digital workloads, even in energy-poor regions. It’s worthwhile to learn about these nuances by talking to generator experts.

Attendees at Electra Mining Africa 2026 will have the opportunity to meet these experts. Visitors to WEG Africa’s stand can meet Kotze and his team and pick their brains over a complimentary coffee. Visit the expo at Nasrec, Johannesburg, from 7 to 11 September, and nail down what to expect from data centre sites.

“Generators close the gap between the high-demand met by grids and renewables and the always-on nature of data centres. Without them, even a small energy dip can cause hours or even days of downtime for the systems that support mining automation, safety, and planning. If you know what to ask ‌data centres (in-house or out-sourced) about their generator strategies, you’ll know if they are ready to handle your mine’s digital requirements.”

More info, please visit WEG Africa

At the heart of this transformation lies a simple truth: progress becomes possible when organisations embrace strong partnerships. At Endress+Hauser, our brand promise “Your Partner for Process Improvement” reflects our commitment to supporting chemical producers on this journey with dependable expertise, advanced technologies, and long-term collaboration that creates measurable value.

Raising the Bar on Safety and Compliance

In the chemical industry, safety is non‑negotiable. It forms the foundation of operational excellence and social license to operate. With increasingly stringent global standards, companies must not only comply but continuously elevate their safety culture and performance.

Instrumentation and automation play a vital role here. Reliable measurement reduces uncertainty, eliminates manual exposure, and provides early insight into process deviations before they become incidents. Whether ensuring correct dosing, monitoring hazardous reactions, or protecting equipment from over‑pressure, accurate data is the first line of defence.

Our contribution is clear: we help plants fortify their processes with solutions designed for the harshest chemical environments. With globally certified devices, advanced diagnostics, and SIL-rated instrumentation, Endress+Hauser enables operators to achieve safer performance with confidence. When people trust their measurements, they make better decisions, and safer plants follow.

Driving Efficiency Through Automation and Insight

Efficiency has always been a priority in chemical production, but today it determines competitiveness. Rising energy costs, fluctuating raw‑material prices, and global supply chain pressures require plants to operate with maximum predictability and minimal waste.

Digitalisation opens powerful new pathways. Connectivity, real-time insights, and predictive maintenance are transforming the way facilities operate. The winners will be those who harness data to improve processes proactively rather than reactively.

As partners, we bring the technologies and expertise that allow chemical plants to turn measurement data into operational advantage. From flow, level, and analytical instrumentation to complete digital ecosystems that enable asset health monitoring, calibration optimisation, and smarter decision-making, our solutions help customers optimise processes end-to-end. The result is tangible: improved uptime, reduced energy consumption, and consistent product quality.

Championing Sustainability with Measurable Action

Sustainability is no longer an aspiration; it is a strategic imperative woven into the fabric of global competitiveness and corporate responsibility. Chemical producers must reduce emissions, use energy more wisely, cut waste, and support a circular economy.

You cannot improve what you cannot measure. This principle guides our approach. With accurate, reliable measurement technologies covering every stage of production, from water and wastewater management to emissions monitoring and energy efficiency, we help chemical plants track their impact, identify opportunities, and demonstrate progress with confidence.

Through innovation in both digital and process technologies, we support our customers’ sustainability ambitions, helping them transition toward cleaner, more efficient, and more responsible operations.

Partnership That Moves the Industry Forward

While technology provides the tools, people and partnerships drive the transformation. No two chemical plants are the same, and no single solution fits all. Real progress comes from working together, understanding challenges on the ground, co‑creating solutions, and supporting them through the entire lifecycle.

This is where our brand promise becomes most powerful. Your Partner for Process Improvement is more than a slogan; it is a commitment to walk the journey alongside our customers, from consultation and engineering to commissioning, optimisation, and long‑term service support.

The future of the chemical industry belongs to those who innovate, optimise, and succeed through collaboration. We are proud to stand alongside our partners as they shape that future, safer, smarter, and more sustainable than ever.

Join Endress+Hauser at the Annual Sasolburg Petrochemical Roadshow 2026

Free Entry! Register now to attend: Click here

Historically, grid reliability focused on maintaining stable operations under expected conditions. Today, however, electricity grids are being pushed beyond their operational limits whilst contending with ageing infrastructure, accelerating electrification, distributed energy resources (DERs).  It has become quite the volatility melting pot.

Fortunately, like a planetary superhero of sorts, digital twin technology is now donning the proverbial cape, enabling utilities to understand the present state of the grid, evaluate future scenarios, and make better decisions before acting in the live network.

Digital twins combine operational data, engineering models, asset information, simulation, and analytics in one beautifully engineered virtual environment, ready to the picking.

In practice, a digital twin is a living, continuously updated virtual model of the grid. It integrates data from a mind-blowing number of sources like SCADA, sensors, IoT devices, GIS (Geographic Information System), asset systems, engineering models, outage history, and operational rules.

Why this is so important is that modern grids are no longer linear.  With the advent of distributed energy resources (DERs) and so forth, the grid is now faced with bidirectional power flows, intermittency, local constraints, and new protection challenges.

It is highly complex and static models with disconnected sources are not up for the task. Digital twins instead provide utilities with a continuously updated, dynamic view of the grid which offer:

• Real-time situational awareness across the network.
• Scenario simulation for operational and planning decisions.
• Predictive insights into asset health and system behaviour.
• Risk-free testing of network changes before implementation.

Dealing with DERs, the right way

As mentioned,  DERs are reshaping load profiles and power flows which in turn sees grid operators facing challenges that go far beyond simple visibility.

For one, operators need to understand the constraints that come with a static network. A feeder – that once delivered power in one direction – may now receive solar exports during the day and face clustered electric vehicle charging demand in the evening.

In this environment, operators need a system-level understanding of voltage, thermal limits, protection settings, hosting capacity, asset condition, weather exposure, and customer demand.

Digital twins help by modelling DER behaviour under different operating conditions, assessing hosting capacity, testing control strategies, and comparing reinforcement options with flexibility-based alternatives before decisions are made in the live network

Tangible, daily benefits

Digital twins’ benefits don’t stop at DERs.  In a time when utilities face a constant uphill battle to maintain equipment, digital twin environments offer important benefits such as:

• Exposing vulnerabilities before failure; simulation and predictive analytics highlight weak points in the grid before they trigger outages.
• Modelling scenarios in advance: switching, load transfers, fault isolation, and restoration strategies can be tested virtually, not in crisis.
• Accelerating response, which enable operators to act faster and with greater assurance, reducing outage duration and improving restoration sequencing.
• Preventing secondary failures – proactive modelling lowers the risk of cascading issues from incorrect or overloaded configurations.
• Enabling condition‑based maintenance, decisions shift from age‑based replacement to risk‑based prioritisation.

While digital twins are powerful, their effectiveness depends on the integration of physical infrastructure, operational control, trusted data, and enterprise intelligence. This is where the combined Schneider Electric and AVEVA proposition becomes especially relevant.

Schneider Electric brings the operational grid backbone: automation, protection and control, energy management, ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management System), DERMS (Distributed Energy Resource Management System), connected field devices, and the domain expertise required to operate critical electrical infrastructure.

AVEVA contributes the industrial intelligence layer which include data infrastructure, unified engineering and operations information, contextualised asset data, analytics, and digital twin capabilities.

Ultimately, digital twins represent an all-important leap from static assumption to dynamic, living systems, allowing utilities the ability to see, simulate, predict, and optimise their decision making.

Based in Melbourne, Chetty will oversee ENGIE’s Yuri renewable hydrogen project, the Hazelwood rehabilitation programme, and its South Australian thermal assets. She will also take responsibility for Health, Safety & Environment and Security functions across the portfolio.

Chetty joins the Australian business from South Africa, where she served as the Chief Executive Officer of Avon and Dedisa Peaking Power. These two critical open-cycle gas turbine plants support grid stability. Her experience spans infrastructure finance, operations, and project development, with a track record that includes leading projects through financial close and into steady-state operations.

Her appointment comes at a time when generation portfolios globally are under increasing pressure to balance reliability, cost, and transition requirements. Managing a mix of legacy thermal assets, rehabilitation programmes, and new energy developments requires operational discipline and a clear understanding of how different technologies contribute to system stability.

“Navigating a portfolio that spans thermal generation, rehabilitation, and emerging energy projects requires a strong focus on execution and performance,” says Chetty. “Each asset plays a different role in the system, and the challenge is ensuring they operate reliably today while supporting the transition to a lower-carbon energy mix over time.”

In addition to her executive role in South Africa, Chetty has served as a non-executive director across several renewable energy businesses, including solar PV and hybrid operations, further strengthening her exposure to multi-technology portfolios.

ENGIE’s decision to appoint Chetty reflects its broader approach to developing leadership across markets and deploying experienced operators into roles where delivery and performance are critical. The Group’s global footprint enables it to transfer capabilities between regions, particularly in markets undergoing a structural energy transition.

“Niroshma brings a combination of financial, operational, and strategic experience that is directly relevant to the Australian portfolio,” says Mo Hoosen, Managing Director, Renewables and Batteries AMEA. “Her understanding of both infrastructure delivery and asset performance positions her well to lead a diverse and evolving generation business.”

Her appointment underscores ENGIE’s focus on building leadership capacity to operate across technologies, geographies, and market structures while maintaining consistent standards of performance, safety, and delivery.