Professor Bekker appointed as SARChI Research Chair
- Professor Bernard Bekker of Stellenbosch University has been appointed as the SARChI NRF Research Chair in Power Systems Simulation, recognising his significant contributions to electrical engineering and renewable energy research.
- The Chair will focus on advancing power system simulation methods to better understand and plan for the evolving energy landscape, particularly as variable renewable energy and changing consumer behaviour reshape traditional power systems. This work builds on the expertise of the University’s Power Systems Research Group and aims to strengthen South Africa’s national capability in this critical field.
- With ongoing challenges like load shedding highlighting the need for accurate long-term planning, Professor Bekker’s research will play an important role in improving how power systems are designed, managed, and future-proofed.
We’re proud to announce that Professor Bernard Bekker from the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of Stellenbosch University (SU) has been awarded the SARChI NRF Chair in Power Systems Simulation.
This recognition is a testament to his expertise and contribution to the field of electrical engineering and, specifically, renewable energy. Moreover, the Chair aligns well with the research within the department’s Power Systems Research Group (PSRG).
Improving Power Systems Simulation Research
The PSRG studies the impacts of increasing variable renewable energy (VRE) generation and changing customer behaviour on the traditional electrical power system. The group is housed within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University and is part of the Eskom Power Plant Engineering Institute’s Specialisation Centres network.
Professor Bekker explains:
“The Chair will focus on improving methodologies and input assumptions for simulating various aspects of current and future electrical power systems. The Chair’s vision is to optimally leverage SU’s existing ecosystem of renewable energy and power system simulation expertise and industry and academic relationships towards developing and strengthening a national competency in power system simulation within South Africa.”
According to Professor Bekker, power system research is fascinating, given the rapid changes in technology, communications, data science and market models. He explains that: “South Africa’s increasing load shedding challenges have also highlighted the importance of research in this field, especially into long-term power system planning informed by accurate simulations. As such, I’m very excited to be allowed to build on and extend our existing competency in this research field at SU.”
Professor Bekker’s research currently focuses on power system planning and operation, specifically related to the increasing prevalence of grid-connected distributed storage and generation. You can follow his research here: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5574-0482
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