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The Engineer | November 2016
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4 Engineer of the Month: Dr. Petrina Johannes
15 Research: Understanding the thermal mass leader
5 Construction: Utilizing FRPs for concrete strengthening
16 INOVA: Improving quality of life through renewable energy
6 Almod: Namibian diamond’s crowning moment
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10 Minerals: NAMDIA-Deals many African countries failed 13 Energy: Uninterruptible Power Supply through Rob Mcglees Engineering 14 Infrastructure: EU commits to infrastructure delivery in Africa
18 Comodities: RMB sheds light on global changes and it’s impact on Nam commodities 20 Energy: Renewable Energy the Transtech way 22 Energy: The role of generator sets in the new landscape of microgrids
CONTENTS PAGE
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ENGINEER OF THE MONTH
The Petroleum Education Fund (Petrofund) has over the years served as a vessel for the development of indigenous manpower and technology transfer acquisition in the petroleum industry as well as in making Namibia a rising human resource centre in the fields of engineering, geology, science and management in the oil and gas industry.
PetroFund Investments stabilising the market
D
r. Petrina Tutumina Johannes was born in the town of Ondangwa by a refuse truck driver and an open market meat vendor. She is the fourth born of the family out of eight children of her mother, and the tenth out of sixteen on her father’s side. Petrina grew up in a house filled with love, laughter, drama and unending playing fun from her parents and siblings. As a young girl, Petrina did not have big dream about what she wanted to be one day, other than growing up to become a hardworking woman and wife like her mother. She had little inspiration to dream big because she did not know anyone in her family who has gone beyond Grade 10. In her Oshiwambo culture, there is a myth that academic intellectual is not for everyone, that it is in the blood and one has to inherit it in order to excel. Quite surprisingly, Petrina excelled in all here school work, which encouraged her to start dreaming big in her own ways. She always knew that she wanted to be someone who will make a difference in people’s life one day, although she never really knew how to go about it.
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The Engineer | July 2017
Today, Petrina is Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & IT at the University of Namibia. She is the first Namibian and first woman to hold such a prestigious position in the whole country. She holds a BSc in Civil engineering from the University of Cape Town, SA and a MSc. and PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Her undergraduate studies were sponsored by Petrofund Namibia, while her MSc and PhD were funded under the sponsorship of The Fulbright Program Science and Fulbright Science & Technology Scholarship together with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Petrina is gratefully for all the support she has received in her career, she could not have made it to where she is today if it was not for the assistance of the different agencies that funded her studies. As the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Petrina is responsible for providing high-level academic leadership and effective and efficient management and administration for the Faculty’s financial resources, human resources, infrastructure and other assets, academic programs, teaching and learning, and research and innovation, as well as its community
engagement and outreach. She is also responsible for the internal and external promotion of the Faculty, in addition to her lecturing duties.
Petrina is also a part-time lecture at the University of Cape Town where she teaches on Pavement materials and Design. Petrina is very passionate about her work, and hopes to inspire most of her to do their absolute best and grow to greater heights.
Dr. Petrina Johannes | Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & IT: University of Namibia
CONSTRUCTION
Utilizing FRPs for concrete strengthening The aptness of FRPs for strengthening a structure can be determined by comprehending what FRP is and the advantages it offers, but more importantly, the limitations.
F
iber reinforced polymer composites (FRP) have been utilized for concrete strengthening in Africa for over 50 years. During this stretch, acceptance of FRP composites as a mainstream construction material has increased, and so has the number of completed FRP reinforcement projects. This was brought about by the vulnerability of the African continent to effects of weather variations as well as climate change and infrastructure projects damage amounting to US$ 184billion by the year 2100. Infrastructure damage of this magnitude could cripple investment in rural access development and livelihood improvement in African countries. FRP composites can be manufactured on site using the wet lay-up process in which a dry fabric, made of carbon or glass, is saturated with epoxy and bonded to the ready concrete substrate. Once cured, the FRP becomes an integral part of the structural element, acting as an externally bonded reinforcing system. FRP composites can also be prefabricated in a manufacturing facility in which the material undergoes pultrusion to create different shapes that can be used for strengthening structures, such as rods, bars and plates. Also Read: How to Repair Polished Concrete Floors
advantages it offers, but more importantly, the limitations. The most common FRP systems for concrete strengthening applications are carbon fiber based (CFRP). Unlike glass fiber based systems, carbon has superior mechanical properties and higher tensile strength, stiffness, and durability. The use of prefabricated CFRP bars and plates is normally limited to straight or slightly curved surfaces; for instance, the top side or underside of slabs and beams. Prefabricated FRP elements are normally stiff and cannot be bent on site to wrap around columns or beams. FRP fabric, however, is available in continuous unidirectional sheets supplied on rolls that can easily be tailored to fit any geometry and can be wrapped around almost any profile. FRP fabrics may be cohered to the tension side of structural members i.e. slabs or beams, to provide additional tension reinforcement and increase flexural strength; wrapped around the webs of joists and beams to boost their shear strength, and wrapped around columns to increase their shear and axial strength and improve ductility plus the energy dissipation behavior.
The adhesive systems used to bond FRP to the concrete substrate may include a primer that is used penetrate the concrete substrate and improve bond of the system; epoxy putty to fill small surface voids in the substrate and provide a smooth surface to which the FRP system is bonded; saturating resin used to soak the fabric and bond it to the prepared substrate; and protective coating to safeguard the bonded FRP system from potentially damaging environmental and mechanical effects. Mostly, ultraviolet (UV) light have a negative impact on FRP strengthening epoxies, but they can be protected using acrylic and cementitious coatings, plus other types of coatings. The resins and fiber for a FRP system are normally developed as one system, based on materials and structural testing. Mixing or replacing a component of one FRP system with a component from another system is not advisable and can affect the properties of the cured system. The FRP system and prepared concrete bond is very important, and surface preparation is critical to most applications. Existence of any internal deterioration of reinforcement must be resolved before the installation of the FRP system, or else the FRP system may be damaged due to delamination of the concrete substrate.
Concrete strengthening of existing structures using FRPs can involve complex evaluation, design, and detailing processes, requiring a good understanding of the existing structural conditions along with the materials used to repair the structure before the FRP installation. The aptness of FRPs for strengthening a structure can be determined by comprehending what FRP is and the
The Engineer | July 2017
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MINING
Almod: Namibian diamond’s crowning moment The Namibian diamond-cutting and -polishing industry, just like any other in Africa, has over the past decade been in distress. In recent years many of the country’s manufacturing capacity has closed down as firms failed to adapt to changes in the industry. However, one seems thriving through innovation and a sheer uniqueness.
Meet Almod Diamond Namibia, the only diamond polisher never to close shop even for halfa-day over the past decade. The company’s success is its crowning; the Crown of Light diamond which has become the diamond of the future, world over. This uniqueness lies in the Namibian generic diamonds being branded. 6
The Engineer | July 2017
I
t all began in 2006, Almod Diamonds purchased the patent for a special diamond cut, called the Crown of Light. The Crown of Light cut features 90 strategically placed facets and its pattern gives the Crown of Light diamond measurably more sparkle, with light coming out of more places and at more angles. In the first year of sales, Almod sold around US$500 000 in diamonds but by 2016, the company had reached over US$100 million in sales, according to owner Albert Gad. “In this, our 10th year, we expect even faster growth and project to do approximately US$150 million in sales,” Gad says.
The Crown of Light had so much sparkle and fire, that a Diamond Light Performance scope was developed by an independent gemmological tool manufacturer to show that this diamond had superior sparkle and fire to any other diamond. The scope shows side-by-side comparisons of a Crown of Light diamond, and a round brilliant diamond. So, customers can see that the sparkle and fire of a Crown of Light out-performs any other diamond. The scope is in all our retail locations, and has been sent to appraisers worldwide which increased our credibility globally.
Since becoming a sight-holder of the De Beers Group of Companies, Almod Namibia grew from a 5000-square-foot factory with just 40 employees to 20,000 square feet across multiple facilities with nearly 200 employees. It was exactly that time ten years ago when the Namibian Government in its partnership with the De Beers Group of companies signed a partnership Sales Agreement that paved the way for meaningful downstream beneficiation to take effect. NDTC was the vehicle established at the time to be the catalyst and enabler of downstream diamond beneficiation in the diamond industry in Namibia, and today,
Almod Diamond has become part of that collective success. Gad admits, the esteemed Sightholder status is usually reserved for major manufacturers, and Almod was traditionally regarded a retailer. But the success of its application thanks to De Beers/Government partnership meant Almod Diamond would receive a regular supply of consistent diamonds, a partnership which De Beers Paul Rowley (Executive Vice President of Global Sight-holder Sales at De Beers UK Limited) says is not about a “a quick buck.”
MINING
In the first year of sales, Almod sold around US$500 000 in diamonds but by 2016, the company had reached over US$100 million in sales, according to owner Albert Gad.
By 2008, Almod Namibia had applied for a second sightholder status with De Beers, so as to receive diamonds from the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC). Recounts Gad on the occasion of the company’s 10th year anniversary, “We wanted to become truly vertically integrated, giving us complete control over the entire process from rough to polished, so we opened a cutting facility in Namibia and put all of our efforts into making it a success.” Today, the diamond mining process in Namibia has developed tremendously, as the diamond industry employs innovative exploration techniques to detect and assess the potential of land based and offshore targets. As laborious as the process of mining sounds, the rough diamond is just about beginning its journey in the manufacturing process and definitely far from ready for the little black or blue box. Rough diamonds, as the end product of the mining process is called, still have to go through the processes of manufacturing, which is broken into; sorting, cutting and polishing.
“Almod Namibia has proven its here long term. I look forward to another 20-30 years of sustainable development,” says Rowley.
NDTC was the vehicle established at the time to be the catalyst and enabler of downstream diamond beneficiation in the diamond industry in Namibia, and today, Almod Diamond has become part of that collective success. The Engineer | July 2017
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MINING
However, nothing compares to the fiery brilliance of a beautifully cut diamond. Diamond is said to have perfect cleavage, meaning it will separate neatly along these lines rather than in a jagged or irregular fashion. It is along this cleavage that the cutter sets to work, unearthing the brilliance within. “The cutter knows the diamond intimately. As he examines the rough beauty in his hands, he determines how it should be shaped to best retain the utmost brilliant effect.”
POLISHING
This led to the Diamond Act being passed into law in 1999. The introduction of the Diamond Act created a favourable environment for the diversification and expansion of the diamond industry in Namibia.
The diamonds are bestowed on it in the third phase of the manufacturing process referred to as polishing. The polishing action is done with a cast iron wheel, into which diamond dust has been rubbed to produce a sand paper effect.
“Looking back over the 10 years, one must concede that the manufacturing industry has come a long way since 2007 when Almod Diamond first opened its doors in Namibia,” says Minister of Mines, Oberth Kandjoze.
After a stone has been cut and polished, it is then classified again, this time by its cut, colour, clarity and carat weight, also known as the “Four Cs.”
Impressed that over the last 10 years, including during the recession where many other factories either closed down completely, or operated on adhoc basis, Almod never closed its factory, President Hage Geingob set a new challenge to this enterprising phenomenon.
Says Gad, “When we came to open our factory in Namibia, we understood how important it was to hire people and create a genuine skills transfer program and to educate people in diamond cutting careers and managerial positions.
SORTING Once mined, rough diamonds are delivered to experts who sort, categorize and assign value to them. It is here that industrial quality diamonds-which are small, lower quality stones-are identified.
now even surpassed onshore mining. This growth has thrust Namibia in the forefront of the diamond industry, not only in Africa but internationally. And Almod Diamond is becoming the flagship. Of course, this growth had its limitations, as up until 1999 Namibia could only export rough diamonds to other countries where the manufacturing process was concluded.
Therefore, not only have we done skills transfer to our local Namibian staff, that staff has gained knowledge and are continuing this skill transfer to our new trainees. We created a training unit, which is the future of the Namibian diamond cutting industry where our local staff trains the next generation of diamond cutters in Namibia.” The diamond industry in Namibia has witnessed extensive growth over the years, as offshore mining activities have
Concluded President Dr. Hage Geingob, “So far, I am impressed with Almod Namibia. Only through manufacturing more of the rough diamond supplied by NDTC will our people unlock and take advantage of opportunities presented by the New DeBeers/Namibia Government Agreement. However, I have given Almod Namibia a bigger task of ensuring that we start selling and marketing our diamonds locally. You have made great inroads in this sector and its time you position your operations in a way that consolidates your success to our people by enabling our people to access diamonds locally.”
These industrial diamonds are used as drill bits and lathes in equipment. Those diamonds that are of gem quality are classified into thousands of categories based on size, shape quality and colour. The majority of diamonds fall within a range of standard colours from colourless to faint yellow or brown tints. Almost all rough diamonds have some distinguishing marks, known as inclusions, which make each piece unique.
CUTTING In ancient times, diamonds were left uncut and mounted into their settings, giving the piece of jewellery a dark, deep mysterious look.
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The Engineer | July 2017
You have made great inroads in this sector and its time you position your operations in a way that consolidates your success to our people by enabling our people to access diamonds locally.” His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob.
ENERGY
Namibia hosts awareness seminar on Upstream Undertakings The Centre for Oil and Gas (COG), under the auspices of the Namibia Energy Institute (NEI), this month hosted an oil and gas seminar which discussed upstream high tech seismic acquisition for finding oil onshore. Mr. Kondjeni Ntinda (standing centre in blue suit) with seminar participants.
T
he overall objective was to fast-track much needed awareness and knowledge dissemination to the Namibian nation regarding and exploration and production aspects that are related to the petroleum industry. The leading institute for energy research and development in Namibia as well as Africa, NEI gathered experts and students at the Namibia University for Science and Technology (NUST) to explore substantial potential for the discovery of economic hydrocarbons accumulations in both, offshore and onshore basins.
From Ralph Muyamba’s presentation on the geological background of the Owambo Basin to Dr Ansgar Wanke’s discussion on the fundamentals of onshore oil and gas exploration, the gathering explored the main procedures of onshore exploration for oil & gas with emphasis on the usually conspicuous seismic surveys. Between 1968-70, 1990, 2007-8, and recently in 2017 onshore seismic surveys as part of hydrocarbon exploration programmes have been conducted in Namibia These operations received much attention by the public, and raised undue expectations and concerns. “However, at the end of this seminar delegates were well informed on the main aspects of the exploration cycle, understanding what they may have seen or would see during a seismic survey, and make better “judge” statements about “finding” oil,” said Kondjeni Ntinda, seminar convener and is the NEI Projects Officer for the Centre for Oil and Gas. By the end of the session delegates had an understanding on: • Basics of the Field Exploration & Production Cycle
Namibia is a frontier region of oil and gas exploration. Experts discussed some of the most recent exploration which have reinforced chances for a true discovery of a petroleum system being present.
• Exploration targets: for what oil & gas explorers are actually looking for • Which technologies are commonly employed for oil & gas exploration
Final Outcomes The seminar was well received by the majority of the participants who represented various sectors of society such as academia, petroleum industry, media and logistics. Areas of concern included the environmental management of explorations areas, broader public awareness and regular updates on petroleum exploration. Participants noted, with key desire, to delve further in unlocking the potential of hydro carbons in Namibia. As the petroleum industry can translate into a positive contributor to the national economy, an oil discovery thus makes the exploration and prospecting framework a key aspect in the development phase of the country’s fiscal regime. Legislation will need to be proactively monitored to ensure inclusivity and accommodation of citizens. The Engineer | July 2017
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MINERALS
NAMDIA: Deals many African countries failed
Introduction and background
T
he Government of The Republic of Namibia (GRN) and De Beers have been longstanding partners in the diamond industry since 1994 and are 50/50 joint venture partners in NAMDEB, which does the mining on behalf of the venture, Debmarine Namibia, which is also a 50/50 joint venture entity mining and recovering diamonds from under the sea and the Namibia Diamond Trading Company “NDTC”, which sorts and values the NAMDEB Holdings production on behalf of the venture. The old Diamond Sorting, Valuing, Sales and Marketing Agreement between the Partners ended in 2013. This then set in motion, the negotiations mandated by Cabinet (with a Government Negotiating Team [GNT] appointed by Cabinet to negotiate with De Beers) for a new Agreement between GRN and De Beers. The negotiations were concluded and in May 2016, the new Agreement between Namibia and De Beers was signed in the historic, Constitution Room. The Sales and Marketing Agreement in its current form is a manifestation of over three years of negotiations, compromise and renewed hope for the Namibian Diamond Industry. It was negotiated and settled between the parties as a win-win situation that encompasses the commercial ideals of both Namibian government and De Beers.
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The Engineer | July 2017
Key features of the Agreement There are two key outcomes from the Agreement: One: The local diamond supply by the NDTC to the Namibian Diamond Cutting and Polishing industry (Sight-holders) has been drastically increased from US$230 million to US$430 million annually. In addition to the increased local supply, the Namibian Diamond Cutting and Polishing Industry is now being offered all the special stones (diamonds having carats above 10.8) from the NDTC. These changes were anticipated to have a significant positive impact on the economics of the local diamond cutting and polishing factories, thereby ensuring a sustainable and viable cutting and polishing industry for the next ten years. Other benefits include, increased sight-holders and opportunities for job creation and the increased beneficiation of diamonds in Namibia. To date two factories have reopened as a direct result of the new Agreement, namely, Julius Klein Diamonds and Laurelton Diamonds. Two: The Agreement has made provision for the creation of a window on the international diamond market which window will serve to inform Government as to how much the international market is willing to pay for Namibian diamonds, in the form of the Company called Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd (NAMDIA).
Per the Agreement, NAMDIA is to receive a Purchase Entitlement from NDTC of 15% of the total NAMDEB production. The 15% Purchase Entitlement was deliberately earmarked for sale outside the traditional sales system whereby Sight-holders (diamond cutting & polishing factories in Namibia) buy diamonds from NDTC based on the De Beers price book. The establishment of NAMDIA is the outcome of protracted negotiations coupled with a steadfast resolve to fulfil the GNT’s mandate to establish a vehicle through which to discover prices of our rough diamonds in the international market. Contrary to the purported misconceptions that NAMDIA was established as a vehicle for BEE’s to sell diamonds or that it was established to sell diamonds to connected people or benefit the elites, NAMDIA was established through a Cabinet resolution aimed at achieving a Government objective of price discovery. NDTC remains the agent for supplying local cutting and polishing factories (sigh-holders). In the previous dispensation, only 10% of the so called “cuttables” (defined as diamonds that can be economically cut and polished in Namibia) have been made available for local beneficiation during the infant stages of the sector when the skills were still scarce and proficiency in diamond cutting low.
The key focus of the NDTC is to develop a sustainable national downstream diamond industry in Namibia. Since 2007, the sorting, valuing, and sales of Namibia’s rough diamonds – as well as the development of opportunities for value-creating and marketing initiatives appropriate for NAMDEB Holdings diamond production – have been undertaken within NDTC. The aim is to ensure the maximum, long-term value from Namibian diamonds through world-class sorting, valuing and sales practices in Namibia. This strategy supports the development of new employment opportunities, and a broadening of the skills’ base of Namibian citizens further supporting the Harambee Prosperity Plan objectives. NDTC sorts and values in excess of 1 million carats annually using state-of-the-art sorting equipment supported by a highly skilled and experienced workforce.
Establishment of Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd (NAMDIA) The objective of NAMDIA remains that of price discovery whilst earning Government valuable revenue through taxes and dividends. The decision taken by Government to assert its sovereign rights over its mineral resources in this manner, as opposed to nationalizing mines and resources, reaffirms Namibia’s position as a country that seeks to maximize the revenue and benefit from its natural resources whilst maintaining Namibia’s status as an attractive and investor friendly environment. NAMDIA was incorporated on the 18th April 2016, in terms of the Companies Act 2004, as a wholly owned State company. After the signing of the Agreement, the Parties to the Agreement resolved that the Agreement would commence 90 days after the signature
Hon. Minister, Obeth Kandjoze Minister of Mines and Energy
date, in order to allow all the Parties to put all necessary measures in place for the implementation of the Agreement. A Government Task Team (GTT) was established headed by the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Mines and Energy consisting of persons from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Office of the Attorney-General and the Bank of Namibia was tasked with facilitating the preparedness of Government in implementing the commencement of the Agreement. The GTT undertook a roadshow to Antwerp (Belgium) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates) from the 23-29 July 2016 to secure clients and financiers for NAMDIA. During the roadshow, the GTT met with 20 potential clients with clients flying in from Israel and India to meet with the GTT. The mandate of the GTT ceased after the Board of Directors of NAMDIA was appointed in August 2016. The Board of Directors of NAMDIA consists of Adv. Shakespeare Masiza (Chairperson), Ms Tania Hangula (Deputy Chairperson), Mr Chris Nghaamwa, Mrs Lorentha Harases, Mr Bonny Konjore, Mr Venondjo Maharero and Mrs Florentia Amuenje. Mr. Kennedy Hamutenya, Diamond Commissioner, has been seconded from the Ministry of Mines and Energy as an interim Chief Executive Officer of NAMDIA until a substantive CEO is appointed. Through NAMDIA, Namibia has for the first time directly participated in the trade of its diamonds and has created a presence in the global midstream market. The information obtained by NAMDIA through sales of diamonds will provide Government with pricing and market intelligence which would then support more effective diamond sector policymaking.
MINERALS
That amount is now increased by some 87% from the baseline. Now US$430 million (or the equivalent of N$6.2 billion annually or N$62 billion over the term of the contract) of diamonds out of NAMDEB Holdings production are now available and are being offered for sale to local manufacturers.
Namibia’s destiny in a rapidly changing global diamond industry that is vulnerable to depressed commodity prices, liquidity challenges and the threat posed by the growing synthetic diamond manufacturing capacity. NAMDIA successfully completed its first Nine sales to date. Given that NAMDIA is engaged in the gathering of pricing and market related information, which information is commercially and competitively proprietary, the final sales margins cannot be disclosed to the public as this poses a commercial risk of competitors discovering how much NAMDIA is selling for and clients finding out how much NAMDIA has made on each sale bearing in mind that each sale is a negotiated transaction between NAMDIA and the client. Against the background of promoting transparency and good governance in the realm of Government business, NAMDIA will disclose to the relevant public bodies and authorities all relevant information as and when such may be required. As with any other State-Owned Company, NAMDIA will release its financial statements at the end of its financial year and will declare dividends to Government in accordance with operations of the business. NAMDIA has sold and will continue selling its diamond entitlement to reputable and well established international clients through an established Selection Criteria.
This information will provide the Government with a greater strategic ability to shape
Mr. Kennedy Hamutenya Diamond Commissioner
Adv. Shakespeare Masiza NAMDIA Chairperson
The Engineer | July 2017
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MINERALS
The NAMDIA Selection Criteria is aligned with industry best practices and international compliance requirements, this excludes, money laundering, terrorism financing and any other financial offences. The Selection Criteria covers both financial and ethical standards including compliance with the Kimberly Process. NAMDIA has, therefore, a mandate to sell to whomever in the international market with the objective of getting maximum shareholder’s value, subject to thorough due diligence. NAMDIA can however not reveal the details of its clients which by any practice in similar industry is its trade secrets and it’s protected information. It is herein categorically dismissed and denounced that NAMDIA is undervaluing its diamonds or selling them below market. Rest assured that NAMDIA is selling its diamonds at maximum value in order to achieve its objective of price discovery and to obtain maximum revenue for Government. NAMDIA has entered into a temporary arrangement with NDTC to trade from the NDTC premises, while its office accommodation, is under construction. NAMDIA is expected to make payments to NDTC within a set timeframe and under no circumstances will NAMDIA buy on credit or sell its diamonds on credit. So far the allegations that our diamonds are traded elsewhere other than in Namibia are not only false but are fetile figment of those authors’ imagination designed to cause maximum damage. All of Namibia’s diamond trading activities without doubt take place in Namibia, with clients coming to view and buying the diamonds in Namibia. Dubai’s diamond trade was virtually nonexistent not so long ago and only worth less than US$5 million in the 1990s. In just over a decade rough diamond trading in Dubai is now worth approximately US$13 billion in 2015. Dubai’s rise as a diamond trading center has been phenomenal in terms of both rough and polished trade.
Today, it is one of the top three diamond trading centers in the world alongside Antwerp (Belgium) and Surat (India) and is a major regional consumption hub for diamonds and diamond jewellery. All the largest and most renowned wholesale diamond traders in the world have trading offices in Dubai from where they conduct rough diamond trading all over the world. Dubai’s major trade partners are the African producing nations, the major processing centres in India and China and consumption hubs in Europe and the United States. Dubai’s excellent logistics infrastructure and support base has placed the emirate firmly at the centre of the diamond world. Dubai is home to the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), a platform that provides a wealth of opportunities for the global diamond industry. The DDE is a Dubai Government initiative and has in a very short period of time become the hub of the region’s diamond trade. As a trade regulator and marketing platform for diamond businesses, the DDE is the only bourse in the Middle East affiliated with the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB). The DDE brings together several largescale initiatives that complement industry requirements, such as rough and polished diamond tenders and has in a very short period of time managed to rival the traditional diamond trading centers such as New York, Surat, Antwerp and Tel Aviv. The DDE ensures its members have the confidence that they are trading only with reputable companies who adhere to its compliance guidelines and are bound by a strict code of good business practices and ethics. The UAE Ministry of Economy, was responsible for the creation of the UAE Kimberley Process office in 2003. As a result, the UAE was the first Arab country to introduce this process, and the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC) is the only entry and exit point for rough diamonds in the country. The creation of the UAE KP Office was a major milestone in Dubai’s diamond trade as it transformed Dubai into a regulated diamond trading center. Furthermore, historically, rough trading was concentrated in Antwerp, Belgium because of the city’s proximity to London where the De Beers sights were located. But since De Beers moved to Botswana in 2013, Dubai has become a more convenient destination than Antwerp.
In just over a decade rough diamond trading in Dubai is now worth approximately US$13 billion in 2015 compared to US$5 million in in the 1990s.
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The Engineer | July 2017
Diamond financing has also contributed to Dubai’s rise as a diamond centre, banks specifically in Antwerp have exited the industry and the rough trading will follow where the financing is, currently there are three banks in Dubai that finance diamond trading.
The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) Tower, better known as the “Almas Tower”
India is the final destination for roughest diamonds to be cut and polished. Statistically, 9 out of every 11 rough diamonds mined globally today end up in India to be cut and polished, given their low-cost labour. Dubai is therefore, a perfect gateway to India. Additionally, there are no corporate tax, Kimberly Process Certification compliant and the best infrastructure for the diamond industry to work from. The industry will continue to relocate from Belgium to Dubai and as a result more and more rough will be sold through Dubai. In summary Dubai has become the most important centre for trading rough before the diamonds finally touch down in India to be cut and polished. Rough diamond trading is now a global village and therefore there is no logic in Namibia going against the current.
Diamond Valuation In terms of the Sales and Marketing Agreement, the Minister appoints on behalf of GRN a Government Diamond Valuator (GDV) from time to time. The appointment of the Government Valuator is a logical or necessary consequence of the powers which have been expressly conferred on the Minister under section 44 and 45 of the Diamond Act, 1999. The latter read together with the Sales and Marketing Agreement restricts and ring fences the current GDV from the activities of NAMDIA given the fact that the GDV is in contact with De Beers’ commercial and competitive information.
ENERGY
Uninterruptible Power Supply through Rob Mcglees Engineering Around 60 million computers tend to fail worldwide each year, thus power related disruptions account for a large proportion of critical data loss and corruption for organizations without preventative measures in place.
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ithout a form of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), businesses will at some point experience a power loss which will result in computer servers, telecommunication or other electrical equipment immediately powering off. This unexpected power loss could cause serious business disruption, data loss or corruption. It is now more important than ever to ensure companies have a robust Power Continuity Plan in place with a reliable UPS provider at its core. This is where Rob Mcglees Engineering comes in. The firm solely owned by Frank Coetzee has been in the UPS business since 2013, establishing a strong foothold in a niche UPS technology market for Product Category Eaton UPS range.
UPS in Namibia With Namibia’s grow increasingly dependent on our computing resource, and concerns over grid power quality and availability the UPS needs and availability continue to rise. “The potential market demand of UPS units in Namibia was always there, it just lacked backup support, maintenance, installation, correct specifications, correct analysis of product, upgraded software, repair centre, SLA agreements, Warranty services, Safety installations, first line training, and knowledge of the said systems.
Namibia always needed to rely on the outside world to provide all above. Well no more,” Coetzee says. Having correctly specified and installed Eaton UPS systems via Rob Mcglees Engineering can protect businesses, Coetzee says. To ensure the protection provided is valuable, the UPS configuration must offer very high levels of reliability and resilience. “Our team are constantly updated and upgraded by conducting UPS courses all over the world, to keep the standards high is a must to be able to provide Namibia with not only a UPS but the best Eaton UPS systems and information,” he adds.
Rob Mcglees Engineering Rob Mcglees Engineering caters from as small as a fish tank to as big as a mine. “Before starting my business an impact study was conducted. Not only on the needs of Namibia, but also on the product that will be suitable for our Country’s temperature and weather conditions. As known by all we only provide EATON UPS systems RM Engineering cc has built relationships with our clients - a business relationship of trust and prompt service,” Coetzee said. Rob Mcglees Engineering cc is fully backed up by Eaton Worldwide and therefore the firm lives by the book of ethics.
Service offerings • Eaton accredited letter - stating that we constantly upgrade our team via training all over the world • All Eaton UPS products purchased via RM Engineering cc comes with a standard 1 year warranty • We have upgraded software • Correct analysis of product/s needed • We provide Spares of product/s • We have a qualified /quality repair centre in Namibia • 24 Hour call centre • We maintain our UPS products and provide SLA agreements • Installation service • Battery replacements and installations • Warranty services are provided • Data sheet • Safety installation sheet • Signed warranty letter • Also first line training is provided on site for personnel when product is purchased.
The Engineer | July 2017
13
INFRASTRUCTURE
Ridolfi also suggested that grants should no longer be “donations”. Instead, projects should be restructured so that these could be paid back to ensure the circulation of funding across different projects.
EU commits to infrastructure delivery in Africa The European Union (EU) is engaging with key stakeholders in Africa to ascertain the development pipeline and to identify the constraints to delivery of and investment in successful infrastructural projects across the continent, EU Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development director for sustainable growth and development Roberto Ridolfi has said.
I
n September 2016, the European Commission proposed an ambitious external investment plan (EIP) to encourage investment in partner countries in Africa as well as “the EU neighbourhood” in an attempt to not only strengthen partnerships but also to address the root causes of migration. A key part of the EIP that was put up for discussion at the Africa Investor Projects Developers’ Summit, in Durban, this week, is the new European Fund for SustainableDevelopment (EFSD), which is intended to support investments by public and financial institutions and the private sector.
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The Engineer | July 2017
Ridolfi told summit attendees that, through the EIP, the EU would not only provide targeted guarantees but would also contribute towards improving the investment climate and the overall policy environment in partner countries. One of the key elements of this strategy is to address foreign direct investment (FDI) to “fragile” African countries. Only 65% of FDI to developing countries – which is in itself on the decline – is going to fragile countries. The cost of setting up a business in these socalled fragile African countries is apparently three times higher than in their nonfragile counterparts. Ridolfi said the EIP was based on three pillars. The first was the EFSD which would comprise two regional investment platforms – Africa and the EU neighbourhood – that would combine existing financial instruments with a budget of €2.6-billion and the new EFSD guarantee instrument valued at €1.5-billion. These would operate as a one-stop shop to receive proposals from public development finance institutions and other interested investors. The new EFSD guarantee would comprise partial guarantees for portfolios of investment projects to intermediary finance institutions, which will, in turn, provide support via loans, guarantees, equity or similar products, to final beneficiaries. The objective is to leverage additional financing, from the private sector in particular as the EFSD guarantee would reduce the risk for private investment and absorb potential losses incurred by these financiers and investors, he explained.
He emphasised that “no one could do it alone” when investing in infrastructural development in Africa and said various stakeholders could support and reinforce various initiatives and projects. Pillar two focused on technical assistance which was needed to develop financially attractive and mature projects and to, in turn, mobilise still further investment, according to Ridolfi. He said the commission had made significant resources available for technical assistance to help partner countries to attract investment by developing a higher number of bankable projects and making them known to the international investor community. Technical assistance would also be available to improve the regulatory and policy environment and enhance the capacities of private sector representatives. The third pillar would provide a multilevel approach to improving the investment climate and business environmentin partner countries through policy and political dialogue to highlight constraints to investments and promote good governance, structured dialogue with business, providing intelligence at country level (including sector and value chains analysis) and ensuring coherence with other aid organisations and member state initiatives. Potential challenges highlighted by a variety of speakers at the summit included the continent’s often unstable political landscape, policy uncertainty and frequent policy changes following elections or regime changes, investor unfriendly regulatory frameworks, potential cultural miscommunications, currency risks and a lack of market integration across Africa. These all resulted in significant setbacks and protracted project delays, it was agreed. Ridolfi also suggested that grants should no longer be “donations”. Instead, projects should be restructured so that these could be paid back to ensure the circulation of funding across different projects.
Concrete has dynamic properties that beat other materials when it comes to maximizing the temperature regulation of structures internally, with tilt-up construction being one of the fastest and most cost-effective walling systems that excel in passing on these energy efficiency gains.
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ach type of construction material exhibits these characteristics in varying degrees. Industry standard R-values measure the resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material, while thermal mass refers to the rate at which heat is absorbed and transferred. “As a walling system, concrete is far more energy efficient because of its thermal mass characteristics. However, as an association, we have noted that the SANS 204: 2011 Energy Efficiency in Buildings Walling Specification focuses more on thermal conductivity and thermal resistance factors,” explains Johan van Wyk, general manager, southern African Readymix Association (Sarma). “The specification is also biased towards masonry construction. We would argue that the specification needs to include thermal mass values, and that concrete be given its own section. If you calculate the CR (thermal capacity) value of concrete, you will find that it outperforms double cavity clay brick walls, even with insulation.” A significant amount of heat energy is required to change the temperature of high density materials like concrete, which means that naturally ventilated structures built using this medium stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The same applies to ventilated structures in terms of reducing the potential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) load. “That’s why the business case for precast concrete walls is so attractive,” points out Van Wyk. “They naturally exhibit low thermal conductivity, enabling the efficient capture and storage of solar energy during the day. When the temperature goes up, concrete keeps absorbing the external heat. When the external temperature drops, the concrete wall then releases and radiates it internally. This means the internal temperature stays fairly constant. It’s all about achieving optimum insulation and comfort levels –areas where concrete excels.”
Tilt-up concrete example Sarma has been working with industry leaders to find answers and solutions to the South African government’s sustainability objectives. One of Sarma’s foremost responses has been to promote the wider adoption of tilt-up building methodologies, a technique commonly adopted for decades worldwide, but still in its relative infancy locally. Tilt-up can be used for a wide range of structures. For example, one of the largest tilt-up walls constructed in South Africa to date measures 24 m in height and 8 m in width. Simply put, this is a construction in the right application. Where readymix concrete is used, this enables builders to specify the exact quantities required for each pour, keeping costs in line with budget and minimizing wastage. “With tilt-up, contractors have the absolute assurance of applying a high-tech product for a relatively low-tech application.” The final structure is only limited by the design. All elements are precast on the ground and then lifted into place using a mobile crane, with minimal grouting needed to form the final structure.
RESEARCH
Understanding the thermal mass leader
To appreciate the energy benefits derived from solid cast concrete walls, two factors need to be taken into account, namely thermal resistance and thermal mass.
This includes precast columns: here, Van Wyk argues that finishes tend to be superior since concrete beams are cast in one section. “Your quality is also better because you are vibrating a shorter distance to remove the air voids.” The technique also lends itself to the South African government’s focus on promoting SMME development since tilt-up is a perfect system for community-based, low-cost housing and allied projects like schools and clinics. To prove the argument, a pilot programme was run in KwaZulu Natal during 2013, entailing the construction of a 24 m2 house. A local contractor was employed for the project and the total outlay, including materials, came approximately R60 000. Each precast concrete panel was reinforced with steel mesh, and formed using purpose-designed shuttering systems. (The technique for housing can also be applied without reinforcement.) Topping the structure was a lightweight preassembled roof system comprising galvanized metal trusses which was fast and easy to install by hand. “The house was completed in 21 days – from excavation and construction of the raft foundations to the lifting of the walls,” says Van Wyk. All the electrical and plumbing conduits, windows and door frames were precast into the walls. In this instance, pigments were not applied, but they can be added to achieve attractive architectural elements that never require plastering or painting. The result is a 30 MPa structure that will last indefinitely. “Tilt-up construction is simple and easy to do right the first time. We take it for granted. Anyone can do it with the right training,” concludes Van Wyk.
The Engineer | July 2017
15
ENERGY
INOVA: Improving quality of life through renewable energy As renewable energy undergoes rapid deployment and implementation in Namibia, INOVA General Distributors is offering a foray into a solution that not only is clean and inexpensive, but is easily accessible. Representing leading international systems and boasting of extensive products such as Solar Edge, LED Lights, Monitoring Systems, Victron range products and mounting structures, Inova has become a house-hold name in Namibia’s agricultural, commercial, hospitality and domestic sectors. Today INOVA boasts of a top range diverse clientele from shopping malls to rural schools, engineering and farming stakeholders, among them, NamPower, civil engineers Urban Dynamics, Heja Game Lodge, Atlantic Villa.
F
ounded by mining electrician Wynand Steenkamp in 2010 INOVA has become dominant in promoting and encouraging renewable energy and lighting systems in Namibia by intertwining their consulting services skills and compelling technology systems. “Not only are our systems environmentally friendly, they help cut down on high electricity bills. Since day one, we have never stopped sourcing a range of renewable energy products on the local and international market that we find suitable at both domestic and commercial level for up market, middle and low-cost housing and commercial business,” says Steenkamp. One can expect – as has happened in South Africa – as the necessary supportive policies and regulations are scaled up, Namibia will experience an increased uptake of solar PV technology. Already new renewable energy markets are showing greater appeal to international and local investors – further spurring the uptake of solar PV in local markets. INOVA mounting structures have been developed as universal framed PV module mounting systems for pitched, flat roof and ground installations. The innovative and patented aluminium base rails, the Z modules and the rail extension technology eliminate the need for onsite cutting and enables quick and easy field PV module installations.
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The Engineer | July 2017
BENEFITS OF INOVA MOUNTING SYSTEMS
INOVA OFF-GRID
• Easy installation • Great flexibility • Excellent compatibility • Excellent adaptability • Engineered to high standards • Maximum lifespan • Guaranteed durability
An off-grid system has no connection to grid whatsoever and must rely on a PV system for its electricity supply, and, since there is no grid to fall back on at night-time or when the solar panels aren’t producing sufficient power to supply the consumer’s needs, a battery bank is used to store excess power for later use when the supply from the solar panels is insufficient.
INOVA ON-GRID INOVA provides an on grid solar electric, or photovoltaic system that feeds electricity directly into the grid, offsetting the amount of electricity produced by the system in greater than the amount being used by the business or residence. The excess is fed into the grid resulting in the account being credited by the amount fed in, causing the grid to act as a sort of electrical bank. Conversely, when the photovoltaic (PV) system is producing less electricity than the consumer is using (such as at night time), the grid makes up the shortfall, debiting the consumer’s account. The benefit of an on-gird system is that the consumer will reduce their electricity bill while still having the gird on a backup supply. Of course, in the event of a blackout, unless the consumer has a battery bank to use as a backup supply, they’ll be left without power if the PV system isn’t producing any. This is generally the cheapest type of system to install, unless a battery bank is included as part of the system.
For this reason, the off-grid system tends to be more expensive simply due to the amount of equipment needed to build such a system. In addition, most off grid users also use a backup generator in case of emergency, adding further to the cost of an off-grid system. To date INOVA has installed a 6Kw off-grid system at farms in Kamanjab and Leonardville as well as another 200Kw at Heja Lodge in the Windhoek. According to Steenkamp, “INOVA believes that the process of installing solar systems demands experience, skill and professionalism. Our workforce deals on a daily basis with the construction and implementation of solar system.” The company boasts of an advanced solar edge installation system where each panel produces the maximum possible energy. The weakest panel does not affect the performance of the rest of the system. All roofs can be utilized as panels can be mounted in North, East and West orientations connecting the same string, which is not possible with traditional solar installations.
More panels can be installed closer to shaded include areas; only the shaded panel is affected at the time of shading. Careful studies and observations of site shading, needed with a conventional system, are no longer necessary with Solar Edge systems, saving money and time. The roof can be fully utilized yet allowing pleasing aesthetic integration into the roof’s design.
lightweight system weighing only 33kg’s when empty. The unit is easy to install; instead of a team involved in lengthy installations, SOLO can be installed by just two people in only half an hour, saving time and installation cost by up to 60%.
WHAT MAKES THE SOLO UNIQUE? •
ENERGY
ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR EDGE
It is the only integrated, non-metal geyser in the world.
•
Made from innovative materials, which makes it lightweight and shatter proof.
• It contains no metal parts therefor no rust, no BENEFITS OF SOLAREDGE TRADITIONAL S corrosion andVS. no water contamination.
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• Compatible with High & Low-pressure BENEFITS OF SOLAREDGE VS. TRADITIONAL STRING connections. INVERTER Traditional inverter
More panels provide higher system capacity and more revenue for owners; by uploading electricity into the national grid and providing savings for off-grid users.
Full roof utilisation
More Energy
Put more panels on the roof in a more aesthetic manner. Mix different orientations and panel types to maximise PV power production out of your roof space.
SolarEdge
Traditional inverter
SolarEdge
Traditional
• Fits easily onto any roof surface.
Vs.panels is affected by the weakest With traditional inverters, output of all panel and there are substantial energy losses due to unevenly dirty and shaded panels. Get maximum power out of each panel with the SolarEdge System.
• Modern, good-looking designs; not big and bulky like the industry SolarEdge Traditional inverter Maximum system uptime norm. Monitor the performance of each panel to make sure you maximise your
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investment.
Vs. • 100L capacity. SolarEdge - Monitoring
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SOLAR PLASMA GEYSERS Solo is the next big leap in solar geyser design. It’s the first integrated geyser that combines solar panels and water tanks into one
Traditional inverter System / string level monitoring
Maximum system uptime Monitor the performance of each panel to make sure you maximise your investment.
Traditional inverter System / string level monitoring
SolarEdge - Monitoring performance of each panel
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performance of each panel
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SolarEdge – Power off; low Vdc
BENEFITS OF SOLAREDGE VS. MICROINVERTE Vs.
Vs.
The Best of Both Worlds
Many Microinverters on the roof
The SolarEdge solution splits the inverter functionality: per panel On each panel – duplicate only what is necessary to improve1Vsystem performance On the wall – keep accessible the components which are more likely to fail The benefits: • Cost - microinverters system costs significantly more than a comparable SolarEdge system • Reliability – microinverters have significantly more components than power optimisers, therefore the chance of anything failing is much bigger. With microinverters all components are on the roof, so each failure requires scaffolding and roof maintenance Many• Microinverters One SolarEdge inverter Complexity – microinverters require proprietary cabling and parts which oncomplicate the roofinstallation and future service on the wall
BENEFITS OF SOLAREDGE VS. MICROINVERTERS The Best of Both Worlds
Duplicating an entire inverter on each panel
The SolarEdge solution splits the Namibia inverter functionality: info@inova.com | +264 (0) 83 331 2840/1/2 | PO BOX 81515 Olympia, Windhoek, | KINGLAND PARK UNIT 12 | NICKEL STR | PROSPERITA On each panel – duplicate only what is necessary to improve system | WINDHOEK | www.inova.com.na performance On the wall – keep accessible the components which are more likely to fail
Full roof utilisation
More Energy
Put more panels on the roof in a more aesthetic manner. Mix different orientations and panel types to maximise PV power production out of your roof space.
SolarEdge
Traditional inverter
Vs.
panel and there are substantial energy losses due to unevenly dirty and shaded panels. Get maximum power out of each panel with the SolarEdge System.
WHY SOLAREDGE?
Traditional inverter
Financially Strong
SolarEdge
Superior
and profitable
Local team offerin field engineers
High Quality Manufacturing
Warranty
Made in Europe - production line in Flextronics Hungary and in Jabil China
Superior Service Local team offering remote and onsite support by SolarEdge field engineers
High Quality Manufacturing
Warranty
Vs.
Maximum system uptime
Superior safety
Monitor the performance of each panel to make sure you maximise your investment.
Protect asset and people through automatic shutdown of the high DC voltage during installation, maintenance and emergency.
SolarEdge - Monitoring performance of each panel
Financially Strong
Duplicating an entire inverter on each panel SolarEdge is a bankable company, publicly traded on the Nasdaq
SolarEdge is a bankable company, publicly traded on the Nasdaq and profitable
Made in Europe - production line in Flextronics Hungary and in Jabil China
Traditional inverter System / string level monitoring
Vs. WHY SOLAREDGE?
Traditional inverter Power off; high Vdc
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BENEFITS OF SOLAREDGE VS. TRADITIONAL STRING INVERTER
The benefits: • Cost - microinverters system costs significantly more than a comparable SolarEdge system • Reliability – microinverters have significantly more components than power optimisers, therefore the chance of anything failing is much bigger. With microinverters all components are on the roof, so each failure requires scaffolding and roof maintenance • Complexity – microinverters require proprietary cabling and parts which With traditional inverters, of all is affected by the weakest complicateoutput installation andpanels future service
25 years power optimiser warranty, 12 years inverter warranty, extendable to 20/25 years at a low cost, monitoring free for lifetime
25 years power op inverter warranty, at a low cost, mon
Why SolarEdge?
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Vs.
Vs.
1V per panel MORE POWER
ENHANCED SAFETY
ADVANCED MONITORING ©2014 SolarEdge
|1
Your Renewable Energy Partner | Distributor of Solar Edge in Namibia BENEFITS OF SOLAREDGE MICROINVERTERS Wynand:VS. 081 128 4911 | Email: wsteenkamp@inova.com.na
The Best of Both Worlds The SolarEdge solution splits the inverter functionality:
Many Microinverters on the roof
One SolarEdge inverter on the wall
The Engineer | July 2017
17
CIVIL ENGINEERING Panellists at the Global Markets Seminar. From left: Daniel Motinga (Moderator), Markus Lubbe, Lauren Davidson, Ettienne van Wyk, Isaah Mhlanga and Steve Galloway.
RMB sheds light on global changes and it’s impact on Nam commodities
O
enable mining sector to create infrastructure that allows leveraging in the establishment of other sectors such as manufacturing and construction.
always think along the lines of adding value to some resources, for instance base metals don’t have critical mass. In the mineral sector, downstream is limited,” stated Galloway.
Namibia just like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa needs solid legal frameworks, increased private-sector involvement and better fiscal incentives to eradicate poverty and arrest the run-away economy.
“The problem is that NDP5 offers an assumption on an industrial mining revolution, which is too much of conventional thinking. It’s the opposite of NDP5 that is happening,” said investment bank and geologist Steve Galloway. He warned that the value addition sought by NDP5 might lead to value subtraction.
His solution: Do more to bring corporates from banks to mines on the subject of addressing real development and poverty, citing Bannerman which has not started mining but is giving back to the communities in poverty eradication.“Mining companies should go into housing, job creation projects, SME Development using the investments they have, rather than taking their products and trying to create value. That frees up the ease of doing business where there will be no prescribing but rather encouragement of what needs to be done along the national development plans,” he stated
ne of the issues that remains a perpetual bugbear in Namibia is slow implementation of national programmes to unlock the country’s economic growth potential, experts gathered at a recent Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) event in Windhoek discussed.
RMB Namibia, the diversified financial services brand encompassing investment banking, fund management, corporate banking and advisory services, hosted its Global Markets Seminar under the theme Namibian Commodities in the Face of Global Change.
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
Experts looked at the recently unveiled N$164.2b National Development Plan (NDP5) with particular interest in certain sectors.
MINING With NDP5 calling for double value addition in all mineral, it was agreed that beneficiation of minerals adds more value than production, where experts challenged government to
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The Engineer | July 2017
“There should be less pressure on mines on add value. The strength of NDP5 is that it is much simplified from the rest of the NDPs, due to its elaborated four pillars. But we should not
Isaah Mhlanga from RMB SA Economist and Namene Kalili, Senior Economist at FNB Holdings provided the audience with an economic overview themed, Navigating through the Noise, Economic Overview. Ettienne van Wyk, Head of Commodities Trading provided a presentation on Structural Changes in Commodities.
Monetary policy remains accommodative although the US continues to gradually tighten policy. Commodity prices have marginally recovered and have supported commodity exporting emerging market countries’ growth prospects and external accounts. Within this supportive global environment, bond inflows have continued into emerging markets and South Africa has also benefited. However, on the growth front South Africa has entered into a technical recession during 1Q17 with all sectors contracting except for agriculture and mining. The prospects for the next two years will be intricately linked to the resolution of political and policy uncertainty which should lift business and consumer confidence. “Beneficiation is not key. Having a lot of resources as a country does not mean they all must go big. Bear in mind that social responsibility of the business is to make money,” said Van Wyk, adding, since the market runs a huge chunk of the economy, it should be allowed to make policy. Topics that were discussed were the global economic impact on local commodities (and growth potential), beneficiation of commodities and which commodities have real opportunities for this, balancing local ownership and large multi-nationals that bring investment. “We have had a rough 2016 where all our problems are self-inflicted. We just should not be trapped in the new norm. Trade and retail industries are suffering, so are job numbers. In such a trying time, Namibia needs to mobilise non-traditional methods of funding to raise funds, such as foreign direct investment, pension funds as well as banks to service the huge government backlog. This is mainly because key role players will start to pull back,” said Kalili.
Kalili urged the Namibian government to privatise and liberalise the economy, as the country enters the stagflation stretch. Also talked about were the opportunities for growth through commodities in Namibia in terms of where the gaps are currently and what people are not aware of. Financial institutions assisting with the mitigation of risks and enabling the opportunities for the commodities sector in Namibia was also a key talking point. Neville Ntema, Corporate Forex Dealer at RMB Global Markets: “In the greater scheme of things, commodities, raw or partially processed often are the most significant exports and revenue earners of developing countries and the revenue generated from these exports have a pivotal effect in those economies. Taking Namibia’s NDP series into consideration, we believe that all parties who are part of the application and implementation of the NDP’s need to come together to workshop around the potential solutions, which will lead to profitability and sustainability of both the economy and our respective businesses. Of course, with the world fast becoming a global village, Africa, let alone Namibia can no longer ignore the evolution of global commodity prices, demand and supply factors.”Global growth continues to hold up in both the US and Europe while China is stable.
Meanwhile, we forecast inflation to fall to 5.7% and 5.3% in 2017 and 2018, respectively, however, we do not expect interest rate cuts this year due to concerns of credit rating downgrades and the possible resultant currency weakness,” says Isaah Mhlanga, RMB SA Global Markets Economist. “The way forward for the commodity producers is: Innovation for commodity producers, to reduce costs and enhance returns. Beneficiation will raise the country’s competitiveness profile. In line with the NDP series, mining is a stepping stone to kick-start other business streams for the economy, as a form of downstream business when the miners start to add value to the resources they are mining. Thus far Namibia has dropped in ranking, from an investment destination point of view. However, acknowledging that mining is an anchor industry for FDI, beneficiation will potentially move the country up in the ranking of foreign direct investment destination,” Neville Ntema, RMB Global Markets concludes.
Contact us. Trade on Telephone: +264 61 299-2040 Dealing room: +264 61 299-2340/7852 email: ibc@fnbnamibia.com.na email: dealingnam@rmb.com.na
Namene Kalili – FNB Senior Economist
The Engineer | July 2017
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ENERGY
Renewable Energy the Transtech way There is a direct correlation between economic growth and electricity supply. If subSaharan Africa is to fulfill its promise, it needs power—and lots of it.
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urrently sub-Saharan Africa is starved for electricity. The region’s power sector is significantly underdeveloped, whether we look at energy access, installed capacity, or overall consumption. The need for renewable energy has never been this higher. The fact that sub-Saharan Africa’s residential and industrial sectors suffer electricity shortages means that countries struggle to sustain GDP growth. The stakes are enormous. Indeed, fulfilling the economic and social promise of the region, and Africa in general, depends on the ability of government and investors to develop the continent’s huge electricity capacity. Countries with electrification rates of less than 80 percent of the population consistently suffer from reduced GDP per capita. The only countries that have electrification rates of less
than 80 percent with GDP per capita greater than US$3,500 are those with significant wealth in natural resources, such as Angola, Botswana, and Gabon.
This is a fraction of consumption rates in Brazil, India, and South Africa, hence the need for renewable energy has never been this extreme.
But even they fall well short of economic prosperity. Whether people can obtain electricity (access), and if so, how much they are able to consume (consumption) are the two most important metrics that can indicate the degree to which the power sector is supporting national development.
ENTER TRANSTECH DISTRIBUTION
From an electricity-access point of view, subSaharan Africa’s situation is the world’s worst. It has 13 percent of the world’s population, but 48 percent of the share of the global population without access to electricity.
Transtech Distribution has various partnerships with leading vendors of renewable energy and can offer all components necessary to offer a comprehensive solution.
The only other region with a similar imbalance is South Asia, with 23 percent of the world’s population and 34 percent of the people without access to electricity. This means that almost 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity. Only seven countries—Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa—have electricity access rates exceeding 50 percent. The rest of the region has an average grid access rate of just 20 percent. Moreover, even when there is access to electricity, there may not be enough to go around. Regarding consumption, Africa’s rates are far below other emerging markets. Average electricity consumption in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, is only about 150 kilowatt-hours per capita.
Transtech Distribution is a wholly owned Namibian company and has extensive experience in the renewable energy, electronics and electrical industries in Southern Africa.
Since 2006, Transtech Distribution (Pty) Ltd focused its energies on distributing renewable energy equipment in Namibia and beyond. Above distribution they also install solar systems and other equipment, mainly on the farms and commercial and industrial sectors, the approval of the work done by Transtech has been fantastic. Managing Director Gerhardt Jessen says Transtech Distribution has extensive knowledge of the renewable energy, electronic and electrical sectors in southern Africa and aims to be distinguished through providing excellent and quality service. “With the experience in renewable energy, electronics and electrical systems, we assist both the suppliers of equipment and operating systems and operators in Namibia to enhance their businesses in this market. The market embraces Namibia primarily, but inroads have already been made into wider southern Africa region.” The need for renewable energy has never been this higher. The Engineer took a demand-driven approach to better understand the likely evolution of the sub-Saharan African power sector and the resulting opportunity for the players who will help propel it. It is projected that sub-Saharan Africa will consume nearly 1,600 terawatt hours by 2040, four times what was used in 2010.
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The Engineer | June-July 2017
Nevertheless, research forecast that electrification levels will only reach 70 to 80 percent by 2040 given the challenges associated with getting the power to where it needs to go. It takes on average 25 years to progress from a 20 percent electrification rate to 80 percent electrification rate, our research found. If sub-Saharan Africa aggressively promotes renewables, it could obtain a 27 percent reduction in CO2 emissions; this would result in a 35 percent higher installed capacity base and 31 percent higher capital spending (or an additional $153 billion).
Transtech Distribution has entered into partnerships with leading vendors of renewable energy, telecommunications, electronic and electrical equipment and can offer all components necessary to offer a comprehensive solution to virtually any renewable energy, telecommunications, electronic and electrical equipment need a customer may have, be it a CME, corporate business solution or an operator. Adds Jessen, “With our experience in renewable energy, telecommunications, electronic and electrical systems, Transtech Distributions aim to assist both the suppliers of renewable energy, telecommunications, electronic and electrical systems and operators in Namibia to enhance their business in this market.” That can be possible if more companies take a leaf from Transtech which offers the following through its agencies named to the right:
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That forecast is based on a number of important factors, including a fivefold increase in GDP, a doubling of population, electricityaccess levels reaching more than 70 percent by 2040, and increased urbanization. By 2040, sub-Saharan Africa will consume as much electricity as India and Latin America combined did in 2010.
Agencies Bundu power • Generators • Solar pumps Emerson Energy Systems • Liebert Uninterruptible Power Supplies • Emerson Rectifiers Becker Mining Systems • Belt Rip Detection Systems • Collision Avoidance Systems • Leaky Feeder Communication Systems • Tagging and Tracking Systems • Kenwood Two-Way Radio Equipment • Such other equipment as the parties may agree upon from time to time Coriant • CPE Equipment Saab-Grintek Technologies • Renewable energy batteries • Rectifiersv
Transtech Distribution is a wholly owned Namibian company and has extensive experience in the renewable energy, electronics and electrical industries in Southern Africa. Transtech Distribution has various partnerships with leading vendors of renewable energy and can offer all components necessary to offer a comprehensive solution to virtually any Grid-tied or Off-Grid need our clients may have, both domestic and commercial. Our management team strives to continually improve processes to ensure zero comebacks on work performed. Frequent quality checks are done internally, validated by customer feedback, to ensure that both the operation and control of services rendered meet our service excellence objective
Domestic Solar power
Solar water heaters
Solar water pumps
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION Tel:(+264) 61-253 274 | Fax: +264-61-253278 Email : gerd@transtech.com.na / sales@transtech.com.na • 21 Copper Street, Prosperita, Windhoek
The Engineer | July 2017
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ENERGY
The role of generator sets in the new landscape of microgrids By Massimo Brotto
S
ince 2010, it has increased by a factor of 1.5 and, according to the International Energy Agency, it is predicted to grow 32% by 2040. How can this growth be sustainable in the long term? The energy mix needs to be remodelled to make way for cleaner forms of energy,without sacrificing the stability of supply we currently enjoy. On this last point, this is where generator sets play a crucial role. Generators add reliability to this new mix, which has to meet many requirements at the same time: it has to be efficient, compatible with the existing infrastructure everywhere, adapt to demand at any given time and reduce the environmental impact caused by the unstoppable increase in global energy needs. Distributed Energy to meet long-term energy demand Increased consumption in countries such as India and China, global population growth and the significant industrial development that is taking place have an enormous
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The Engineer | July 2017
effect on the upswing in demand for energy resources. But this growth has set a course: the process has to be sustainable. The last United Nations Climate Change Conference, held in Paris in 2015, set out the path towards a low-emission economy, with the commitment of the 195 countries that signed the agreement.
In addition to energy generation, they have two distinctive features: control, the most intelligent part, which predicts consumption and work cycles; and storage devices, the heart of a microgrid, which together with power electronics compensate for the load variations of renewables and are much more efficient in energy production.
The majority have heeded the agreement and have started to put solutions in place to reduce their dependence on coal.
To make all this equipment work, a monitoring system is required to collect and communicate all data, both from the grid and from the other connected sources, in a smart grid environment.
Technology already offers concrete solutions to these needs. “Distributed Generation� makes it possible to take energy production to where the energy is, with units that, by working autonomously and without depending on the electricity grid, can produce energy continuously and sustainably. Microgrids represent the most developed Distributed Generation model to date: systems, whether connected to the grid or not, which can combine different conventional and renewable technologies.
At present, one third of energy supplied by microgrids comes from generator sets, another third from wind energy and the rest from microturbines, solar panels or fuel cells. However, the global trend is certainly to combine different technologies to eliminate the negative aspects they each have when used individually, and to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The appeal of combining fossil fuels and renewable energy, and its success, largely depend on external factors, such as the legislative framework, the distance from the national electricity grid, and the cost and profitability of electrifying an area, considering its population density and its level of industrialisation. Even so, this market is expected to grow at a brisk pace, around 17.1% per year for the next five years, and rural and island electrification is expected to lead the process as a whole, with year-on-year growth of 23%.
Suitable conditions for the installation of a hybrid plant Hybrid solutions are especially attractive for industrial markets, such as the mining or telecommunications sectors, as back-up energy in rural areas and islands, as well as a single source of continuous power for shops, farms or households. All these applications share a number of common features: • They are places that are not connected to the grid or have excessively high electricity costs. • Their demand is up to 5MW, with around 4,000 running hours per year. The ideal situation for a hybrid plant is most of the demand occurring during the day, when solar sources are available.
• They have a high level of exposure to sunlight or wind. To guarantee a return on investment, solar irradiance should be more than 1,300kWh/kWp or, as applicable, wind exposure should be at least 4 m/s. Countries such as Chile, Peru and India, or regions such as the Caribbean, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa are geographical areas that meet all these optimal natural conditions for installation. • They have enough space for the installation of solar panels. Where this is under a roof, the ratio should be around 10 square metres per kW generated. Where this is on the ground, 20 square kilometres would be required per MW.
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The falling price of solar panels is making the transition much smoother and countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany and Chile have started to encourage renewable energy projects with this goal.
Advantages of incorporating generator sets in hybrid generation plants Incorporating generator sets into these hybrid systems guarantees that the system is reliable: it ensures that energy is always available. They are the ingredient in the mix that provides a very sound solution to the intrinsic instability of renewable energy, because, unlike renewable energy, generators are not dependent upon often unpredictable natural conditions. In addition, generators function as a very useful storage alternative that can respond very quickly to load variations. Combining generators with a smart management system makes it possible to plan running hours to perfection and to increase the microgrid’s efficiency enormously. The combination of a conventional fossil fuel-powered generation plant with a 100% renewable energy plant offers significant advantages. Firstly, it provides an uninterrupted power supply, which a renewable energy plant alone is unable to guarantee. Secondly, it significantly reduces running costs. A typical load pattern of these plants shows how the combined use of generator sets with renewable energy offers not only a significant fuel saving, but also reduced overall running and maintenance costs. Running hours will always be lower and less maintenance and lubricant, filter or injector changes will be required.
About the author Massimo Brotto is the Sales Engineering Manager at HIMOINSA. With more than 15 years of experience, he leads a team of professionals providing technical support to the sales department and working on the development of generator set applications with batteries and renewable systems. In terms of new product design, he focuses on optimising profitability and minimising running costs.
The Engineer | July 2017
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