Two leading researchers from Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Engineering are playing a key role in a high-impact international project that explores innovative solutions at the intersection of physics and engineering to help address the challenges of stabilising South Africa’s electricity grid.
Dr Chantelle van Staden, a senior lecturer from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Prof Cristina Trois, director of the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES), are co-investigators on a collaborative research initiative funded by the United Kingdom’s Research and Innovation (UKRI), UK’s national funding agency.
The project, Stability of the South African power grid: a data-driven statistical physics-based approach, is led by Prof Christian Beck from Queen Mary University of London and includes collaborators from SU and the University of the Free State.
“We are extremely honoured and excited at the possibility to collaborate with Prof Beck and his team at Queen Mary University of London, in strengthening the South African power grid and better positioning our country to navigate the energy transition,” says Prof Trois.
South Africa’s dependence on coal-fired power stations and ongoing load shedding continues to disrupt lives, the economy and critical services. This research project will apply advanced modelling and data analysis grounded in statistical physics to:
- Aid in improving the stability and reliability of the national power grid
- Explore and support the integration of affordable, zero-emission energy alternatives such as solar, wind and battery storage
- Reduce the carbon footprint of South Africa’s energy system
This £517 624 (R12 547 016 at an exchange rate of £1 = R24,24) research grant underscores the importance of interdisciplinary, cross-border collaboration to address real-world energy challenges. The UKRI-funded collaboration will support postdoctoral fellows, mobility of researchers in both countries, workshops and knowledge creation.
Read more here.
Photo: Prof Cristina Trois (left) and Dr Chantel van Standen (right)
Article by Amber Viviers
