South Africa is about two decades behind in implementing its transmission expansion plans, leaving its energy grid under mounting pressure, owing to ageing infrastructure, transmission constraints and a growing demand for stable power supply across key industries, says power solutions supplier Aggreko Energy Services sales head Johan Helberg.

This shortfall has severely limited the effective integration of independent power producers (IPPs) and alternative energy sources, which he says has further exacerbated grid instability.

He explains that State-owned power utility Eskom’s failure to expand and modernise the grid in line with demand growth has created significant bottlenecks, particularly at the transmission and substation levels.

“The lack of infrastructure renewal and maintenance has prevented the grid from accommodating additional power generation sources, making it difficult to transport electricity efficiently,” he tells Engineering News.

As a result, industries such as mining, oil and gas, as well as manufacturing, continue to experience supply constraints, forcing these industries to explore alternative energy solutions.

Aggreko, a provider of temporary and long-term power solutions, is addressing these challenges by supporting grid stability at the distribution level, Helberg notes.

He points out that short-term rental solutions offer immediate relief for companies experiencing power outages, while medium- to long-term IPP arrangements provide sustainable energy security.

“Aggreko takes a life cycle approach rather than a commodity-based sales approach. By partnering with clients over the long term, we help them navigate their energy challenges, whether through temporary solutions during outages or more permanent off-grid strategies,” he says.

However, while transmission issues require large-scale intervention from utilities and policymakers, there is an immediate opportunity for distributed energy solutions to alleviate pressure on the system, he adds.

Aggreko offers power generation solutions that help municipalities and industrial clients secure reliable energy supply, reducing their dependence on Eskom’s constrained infrastructure.

At a distribution level, Aggreko provides decentralised power generation through alternative energy sources such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biogas.

These solutions, Helberg notes, allow industrial clients to maintain stable operations while reducing their reliance on the national grid.

He explains that by injecting additional energy supply at localised levels, businesses can mitigate the impact of loadshedding and prevent costly disruptions to production.

The company is also involved in microgrid development, enabling industrial zones and municipalities to function with greater energy independence.

“Distributed energy solutions are critical in bridging the gap between supply and demand, especially as South Africa transitions to a more renewables-focused energy mix,” Helberg comments.

Further, with the growing integration of renewable energy, maintaining grid stability is becoming increasingly complex.

Solar and wind power, while essential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, are inherently variable, creating challenges in supply consistency, he notes, though he highlights Aggreko’s role in providing hybrid energy solutions that balance renewable generation with thermal power.

Through its sister company, solar energy company RenEnergy, Aggreko delivers solar PV and thermal generation systems designed for large industrial clients.

These hybrid solutions help businesses achieve greater energy security by combining renewable power with backup thermal generation, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply.

“The goal is not only to reduce reliance on the grid but also to enhance resilience through a diversified energy mix,” Helberg notes.

In addition to providing supplementary power generation, Aggreko’s solutions contribute to load management and frequency regulation.

Considering that loadshedding, a recurring issue in South Africa, often results in frequency fluctuations when large amounts of demand are suddenly removed or restored to the grid, Helberg explains that these fluctuations can create instability for industrial operations that rely on consistent power supply.

Aggreko’s power solutions help mitigate these risks by providing backup generation that stabilises frequency levels during grid disturbances.

“Ensuring a stable frequency and managing load effectively allows industrial clients to continue operating smoothly even in the face of grid disruptions,” he tells Engineering News.

Emerging Technologies

While cost and adoption barriers still exist in the growing adoption of emerging technologies, such as battery storage and AI-driven grid optimisation, Helberg believes that advancements in energy storage will play a critical role in enhancing grid resilience.

“Once battery storage reaches a 20-year lifespan at an affordable price point, it will be a game-changer for managing baseload shortfalls,” he states.

Battery storage, in combination with renewable-energy sources, can provide consistent backup power, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuel-based peaking power plants.

Other emerging storage technologies, including flywheels and alternative chemical storage solutions, are also being explored as potential tools to enhance grid stability.

Helberg notes that, as these technologies mature, they will enable a shift away from large, centralised power stations toward more distributed and adaptable energy networks.

However, as energy systems become increasingly decentralised and digitised, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern.

Helberg states that Aggreko implements stringent security protocols to safeguard its power solutions from cyberthreats.

“Cybersecurity is integrated into every layer of our business, from operational technology to IT systems, ensuring that our clients’ power infrastructure remains protected.”

Aggreko continues to prioritise cybersecurity through regular risk assessments and investment in advanced security frameworks.

Beyond South Africa, Helberg noted that valuable lessons can be learned from East African countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania, where microgrid development is advancing rapidly.

“By adopting best practices from these markets, Southern Africa can enhance its grid resilience and improve energy security. Regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing will be key to developing a more reliable and efficient energy system across Africa,” he concludes.