Africa energy transition focuses on efficiency and safety

As Africa seeks to expand electricity access for approximately 600 million people, energy efficiency is emerging as a critical tool to maximize existing resources while long-term infrastructure projects are developed. In the ICT sector, technological advances in network design and equipment management are allowing digital growth to decouple from rising energy consumption.

In South Africa, the rapid adoption of renewable energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is introducing new safety challenges. Experts warn that the transition to high-voltage direct current (DC) systems and lithium-ion technology requires updated fire protection strategies, as traditional methods may not adequately address the unique hazards posed by these modern energy systems.