The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is currently hosting the Direct Current Technology: Renewable Energy Education and Skill Development in South Africa (DCT: REES) Project Seminar at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel from 12 to 15 February 2019.

Direct Current-Technologies are rapidly gaining attention worldwide because of its efficiency and potential for sustainable solutions. In order to supply the country and its industry with adequately trained professionals in the field of electrical and electronics engineering, this project also aims to develop and implement a new educational programme, with new courses and materials on DC-technologies for South African universities (Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

On the opening day of the seminar, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Professor Paul Musonge, welcomed the local and international delegates to the DCT: REES Project Seminar.

“The DCT-REES project has allocated 28000 euros to DUT for DC and Renewable Energy related laboratory equipment. For the first phase we have already used 11660 euros to set up a laboratory which will be used for modules offered in the new BEng Tech, BEng Tech Honours and Masters programmes,” he said.

Prof Musonge also said that other funds provided by this project were available for student and lecturer exchanges, which would be key for capacity building. He stressed that DC Renewable Energy projects will also promote sustainability in South African communities, especially in rural communities that do not have access to electricity.

“Although the department of Electronic and Computer Engineering is the main driver of the project, the department of Power Engineering is also part of this initiative and whose students will also benefit from the DCT-REES project,” he said.

Prof Musonge thanked the DUT team for organising the event and urged those visiting Durban for the first time to go to Durban’s historical sites and beautiful beaches.

Also speaking at the seminar, international guest Pepeijn Willigenburg, said all delegates needed to work collectively to gather information and decide what the modules would consist of, as well as to look at local and international collaborations into new courses, labs and projects, based on state of the art research and industrial development.

Also speaking on DUT’s current Masters programme was Dr Suren Reddy: HOD Electrical Engineering, who said the aim was to continue with the cohort of the Masters programme in line with international standards and that is why there were collaborations already in place to adapt to new changes.

Day Two will focus on the relevance of the DCT-REES project and an Energy site visit at the DUT.

Pictured: Local and International delegates at the DCT: REES Project Seminar.

Waheeda Peters