NT firm in power struggle

NT Business Review
December, 2008 Page: 3

A TERRITORY company wants to solve South Africa's power problems. Darwin-based Powercorp has invented a device that acts as an electrical shock absorber. It temporarily stores power to smooth out spikes and dips in the flow of the electricity down the wires. The device ensures power grid stability and a continuity of supply to remote sites. It was originally invented to overcome electricity supply problems to remote Aboriginal communities in the NT.

South Africans face the prospect of more electricity cuts during the coming months. Economists warn blackouts will badly damage the country's economy at a time when business is facing a downturn. Powercorp general manager Chris Langworthy said his company was considering providing the electricity shock absorber to the South African mining sector and was in preliminary talks with a South African consultant.

"It's very early days," he said. "We can strengthen the line at the end and help to keep the grid rigid. "Where we really fit in is in the areas where there are long thin lines to important places like mines, wind farms, desalination plants and industrial plants." But South Africa Chamber of Mines assistant adviser Dick Kruger was less optimistic about the device's ability to help South African mines. "Our mines are pretty much in well-populated areas," he said.