Alstom establishes clean energy research chair at Wits University

Alstom has established the Chair in Clean Energy Systems Technology (ACCEST) at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. The company will invest over ZAR 17 million in various university projects between 2009 and 2016.

The chair aims to address technology and system challenges in South Africa's electricity generation and transmission, focusing on both growth needs and environmental sustainability.

Research will be organized around three themes: integration of distributed electricity for isolated areas, wave energy technologies, and innovative sulfur removal techniques adapted for South Africa, paving the way for other clean power technologies including carbon capture. PhD and MSc students will have the opportunity to select projects from these defined topics.

The initiative seeks to develop the next generation of clean energy engineers equipped to best utilize Africa's energy resources, design and operate clean energy systems, and integrate diverse energy sources, including renewables. Alstom also supports South Africa's national strategy to address skills shortages in the power industry, having trained over 800 South Africans as artisans and professionals, including engineers.