World-first zero second grid-to-backup power switch
29 August 2025
News
JSE-listed cable manufacturer, South Ocean Electric Wire, has completed a solar installation it says marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds. Developed in partnership with GreenSun, a renewable energy supplier, the system enhances SOEW’s operational resilience amid South Africa’s loadshedding challenges. The installation, completed at SOEW’s Alrode, Johannesburg facility, leverages advanced AI-driven inverter technology and a custom-designed battery storage system to provide uninterrupted power for critical manufacturing processes. “It optimises energy use based on time-of-use tariffs, weather patterns and kVA demand changes,” noted Tertius Ness, COO of SOEW.
“The benefits of this installation are transformative. The zero-second switch eliminates downtime, previously costing SOEW an estimated R2-million annually due to loadshedding interruptions. By maintaining continuous power to production lines, the system safeguards product quality and delivery schedules, critical for SOEW’s clients in construction and infrastructure.
“Additionally, the installation reduces energy costs by 30%, leveraging solar power during peak sunlight hours and storing excess for nighttime use. This translates to annual savings of approximately R1,5 million. Environmentally, the shift cuts CO2 emissions by 600 tons yearly, reinforcing SOEW’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030,” Ness added.
He noted that the system’s technical prowess lies in its hybrid inverter, which synchronises grid and battery power, enabling an instantaneous transition without the typical 10-20 second delay seen in conventional setups.
“GreenSun’s engineers customised the configuration to handle SOEW’s peak load of 450 kW, ensuring scalability for future expansion.” The installation also includes real-time monitoring, allowing SOEW to optimise energy usage and respond proactively to grid instability. This data-driven approach has already improved energy efficiency by 15% since commissioning in June 2025.
For more information contact SOEW, +27 11 864 1606, [email protected], www.soew.co.za
Further reading:
From the Editor's desk: Growth through inclusivity
Technews Publishing
News
As the engineering fields in South Africa continue to make progress toward gender equality, we are finally starting to see the presence and contribution of women in engineering and industrial roles.
Read more...
KITE 2025 proves its value
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 confirmed its place as KwaZulu-Natal’s must-attend industrial event, drawing thousands of industry professionals.
Read more...
Otto Wireless Solutions announces promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to technical director
Otto Wireless Solutions
News
Otto Wireless Solutions is proud to announce the promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to the position of technical director, effective 1 August 2025.
Read more...
DMASS experiences continued slowdown
News
The European electronic components distribution market continued its downward trajectory in the second quarter of 2025, according to new figures released by DMASS.
Read more...
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
Cobots for opto production line
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
SACEEC celebrates standout industrial innovation on the KITE 2025 show floor
News
Exhibitor innovation took the spotlight at the KITE 2025 as the South African Capital Equipment Export Council announced the winners of its prestigious New Product & Innovation Awards.
Read more...
SA team for International Olympiad in Informatics
News
The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa has named the team that will represent South Africa at this year’s International Olympiad in Informatics.
Read more...
Anritsu and Bluetest to support OTA measurement
News
Anritsu Company and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an Over-The-Air measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap specification.
Read more...
The current sentiment of the global electronics manufacturing supply chain
News
In its latest report, the Global Electronics Association provides an analysis of the current sentiment and conditions in the global electronics manufacturing supply chain as of June 2025.
Read more...
printer friendly version