WEG Automation Africa recently hosted WEGnology Day at its Robertsham facility, drawing local industry professionals for an insightful and interactive programme focused on compliance, energy innovation, and future-ready power solutions.
The event featured concise, information-rich presentations on key topics shaping South Africa’s automation and energy sectors. Highlights included presentations on IEC 61439 and SANS 1973 by Johan Basson, Synchronous Condensers by Sales Supervisor, Amanda Maria Betetti Ferreira Maher, Hybrid Power Plants by Solar & BESS Business Specialist, Oscar Roberto Harbs Junior, and South Africa’s Minimum Energy Performance Standards for motors, presented by LV&HV Executive, Fanie Steyn.
Driving safety through compliance
Basson opened the technical sessions with a deep dive into the critical role of electrical standards in ensuring the safety, compliance, and performance of low-voltage assemblies. His talk focused on SANS 1973-1 and its alignment with IEC 61439-1/2, both foundational to the safe design and verification of switchgear systems.
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“Good engineering practice alone isn’t enough—standards give legal enforceability, especially under South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety and Mine Health and Safety Acts,” Basson noted.
Key takeaways from his presentation included:
- SANS 1973 incorporates local adaptations while maintaining global IEC harmonisation.
- The latest IEC 61439 version introduces three verification methods: testing, calculation, and design rules.
- Standards ensure safe, maintainable installations that withstand real-world electrical stressors.
Synchronous Condensers
Ferreira Maher addressed the importance of synchronous condensers in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. With South Africa’s power grid facing increasing instability, she explained how condensers provide the synthetic inertia, reactive power, and resilience needed to avoid blackouts.
“With declining traditional inertia in modern grids, synchronous condensers offer vital frequency and voltage support across the network—from generation to distribution,” said Ferreira Maher.
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She illustrated WEG’s impact through successful installations in Brazil and the USA, demonstrating real-world performance and grid improvement.
Hybrid Power Plants
Harbs Junior showcased WEG’s ability to deliver integrated hybrid energy solutions that combine solar, wind, hydro, diesel, and gas generation into flexible, cost-efficient power systems.
“Clients don’t need to deal with multiple contractors—we offer a complete energy ecosystem including generation, storage, controls, and monitoring, all backed by a long-term partnership,” said Harbs Junior.
He stressed WEG’s role in helping industries reduce diesel and coal dependence, manage unstable grid supply, and transition toward sustainable, self-generated power—a critical focus in today’s high-cost, low-reliability energy environment.
Energy efficiency
Fanie Steyn wrapped up the presentations with a look at South Africa’s Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for motors. He outlined how WEG supports compliance through high-efficiency motor technologies, helping businesses reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and meet national sustainability goals.
“Adopting efficient motor technologies is no longer optional—it’s a strategic move to lower operational expenses and align with regulatory changes,” Steyn stated.
Following the technical sessions, attendees toured the WEG Automation Africa Division, where they experienced WEG’s local manufacturing capabilities and commitment to engineering excellence.
