“Africa can leap-frog to become the most electrified continent in the world in one generation,” these were the words said by the esteemed Professor Innocent Ewean Davidson, who spoke at his inaugural lecture on Thursday, 25 October 2018, at the Mansfield Hall, DUT Ritson Campus.
Prof Davidson who heads up the Electrical Power Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, delivered his lecture on: Energizing Africa’s Emerging Economy – Through a Smart Integrated Electric Power Super-Grid. He focused on showing the use of highly complex power system controllers to integrate African power grids into one super-grid that can accept large penetration of renewable powers, without compromising power quality, power flow, and power system stability. His presentation highlighted efforts in capacity building in electric power, smart grids and power system solutions and smart utility services.
“We need to bridge a gap between academia and industry We need to commit ourselves to industrialisation. Smart grids are going to monitor in Africa and consumers can increase their gains through this innovative solution to address energy and global issues,” he added.
He further added that it was vital to enhance research in the hope to expand to other universities and move South Africa beyond the borders nationally and internationally.
“Through this proposed project, it is vital to enhance the quality of engineering and training through collaborative research with industry and academic staff secondment to industry. Faculties need more integration with industries for business incubators and to provide DUT with more income streams to prosecute its mission,” he said.
Speaking at the inaugural lecture Prof Sibusiso Moyo-DVC OF Research, Innovation and Engagement, congratulated him on his full professorship and said one of the greatest attributes he has is the ability to train students at all levels and emerging researchers to equip them with excellent skills so that they are also able to establish themselves as independent scientists who are able to contribute to all relevant sectors of society.
“This is evidenced through his co-authorship with students who often appear as first authors. His contribution to training and ensuring that Africa, and in particular, South Africa becomes one of the most electrified places in the continent is significant as it talks to how Africa can actively be part of the 4th Industrial Revolution and ensure our graduates are adaptable, versatile and job creators, thus, contributing to the development of our cities,” she said.
Prof Theo Andrew, Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, also congratulated Prof Davidson on becoming a full professor in the Department of Electrical Power Engineering.
“He brings to the University a valuable network of resources. We look forward to him taking this academic enterprise into a new era,” he said.
Biography
Dr Innocent Ewean Davidson is a Full Professor and Chair, Department of Electrical Power Engineering. He is a Senior Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, USA; Fellow, Institute of Engineering and Technology, United Kingdom; Fellow, South African Institute of Electrical Engineers; Chartered Engineer, United Kingdom; registered Professional Engineer with Engineering Council of South Africa.
Pictured: Zwakele Ngubane, DUT’s Director (Development and Alumni Relations), Prof Innocent Ewean Davidson and Prof Sibusiso Moyo, at the inaugural lecture.
Waheeda Peters
