Last week, Eskom’s technology master specialist, Dr Rob Stephen, was elected President of Cigre, an international council on large electric systems, in Paris.
Stephen joined the South African parastatal in 1980 and is currently the Master Specialist in the Technology Group at the state-owned utility where his responsibilities oversee all distribution and transmission technologies of all voltages covering both alternating current and direct current.
“As the first African for the position of President, Dr Stephen is in a favourable position to expand the benefit of Cigre into less developed countries in Africa, South America and Asia,” Eskom said in a company statement.
Cigre platform
The utility explained that Cigre, which was founded in 1921, is an international non-profit association for promoting collaboration with experts from all around the world by sharing knowledge and joining forces to improve electric power systems of today and tomorrow.
Cigre covers issues related to planning and operation of power systems, as well as design, construction, maintenance and disposal of high voltage equipment and plants are at the core of Cigre’s mission.
Other issues related to protection of power systems, tele-control, telecommunication equipment and information systems are also part of CIGRE’s area of concern.
Upon accepting this honour, Stephen said: “My experience in the electrification field can assist to expose engineers in these countries to share problems and develop solutions in line with Cigre goals.
“Important initiatives such as support of young engineers in the Next Generation Network, as well as support for women in Cigre need to be continued.”
