By: Paul Steyn - Business Development Manager, Power Systems at Schneider Electric

Digital energy today refers to the integration of digital technologies into the energy sector to, in turn, enhance efficiency, reliability and sustainability.  In practice, it uses advanced analytics, automation and connectivity to optimise energy production.

Taking it another step further, digital energy also comprises sophisticated technologies such as IoT, cloud computing, and AI-driven analytics. It is truly the best of the best that allow for exceptional operational efficiency.

Indeed, digital energy holds immense promise, particularly in Africa where the both the provision and use of energy must be managed to a finest of degrees to meet the demands of its growing, urban population and resultant industries.

But, to unlock the advantages that come with digital technologies like as IoT, cloud and AI, organisations must be connected.  Unfortunately, as the case with many African markets, companies are eager to digitise but often lack the foundational inter- and telecommunications infrastructure to do so effectively. 

Unlike regions with well-established wireless networks and communication protocols, many African industries still operate with outdated systems that are not readily compatible with the latest state-of-the-art digital energy solutions.

Here, one of the primary hurdles is not acquiring connected equipment but integrating it into an infrastructure that is capable, reliable and secure. It is therefore important to be pragmatic, working closely with organisations to assess their installed base, determine power demands, and then align solutions that cater to specific operational and business driven requirements.

Based on the above, solutions can then be provided that adds that all-important connectivity layer that will serve as the foundational building block to rollout digital energy safely and efficiently.

The IT OT divide

Another hurdle in realising digital energy is bridging the gap between IT and OT. 

Traditionally, IT managers focus on data distribution, security, and connectivity, whereas engineering and production managers performances are measured differently – such as safety specifications and production demands - therefore those that operate in OT (Automation Technology) environments, prioritise system control, feasibility, and performance reporting. 

For digital energy to truly come into its own, OT and IT must work in harmony. Companies like Schneider Electric offer flexible systems that cater to both IT and OT unique operational standards in one solutions portfolio. 

The analytics layer

The integration of digital energy often includes an analytics platform. This platform incorporates an external link connected to the cloud, where relevant information such as on-site systems data can be accessed

This information, when used in conjunction with apps and analytics, provide more extensive feedback and sometimes even control capabilities that can be integrated into customer operational systems.

Again, in the developed world, these systems are generally quite commonplace, however, in the African region, this is not yet the norm. There is a significant sensitivity towards external connections coming into local systems, which has hindered the widespread adoption of these advanced digital energy solutions. 

This resistance is often due to concerns about security, reliability, and the cost of maintaining such connections.

To address these concerns and cater to diverse market needs, organisations like Schneider Electric offers customers different options. They can choose a locally managed system with no external connections or opt for a system that includes an external link with apps and analytics for additional value.

Predictive maintenance in energy

Traditional maintenance practices often rely on scheduled servicing, leading to unnecessary plant downtime and operational inefficiencies. With Schneider Predictive Maintenance digital energy solutions, companies can collect and analyse data to predict failures before they occur, enabling proactive interventions that prevent costly disruptions and unsafe operational conditions.

By integrating analytics and IoT-enabled monitoring, Schneider Electric assists industries move from reactive to proactive maintenance - ensuring safe operations, sustained performance and cost savings.

Enhancing safety and efficiency

Whilst digital energy offers a myriad of benefits, safety should remain a top priority.  Traditionally, the management of medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) systems run separately; however, it is increasingly being integrated to improve visibility, safety, control and ultimately production. 

This integration, however, presents risks, particularly in higher-voltage environments. To mitigate any potential risk, Schneider Electric provides configurable control options, allowing customers to enable or disable remote switching with proper access control implementations and system adjustment authorisations.