The optimisation of energy production processes is crucial in keeping the wheels of industry turning as the local manufacturing and industrial sector continues to be challenged by the ongoing power crisis and struggling economy. This is the second part of a two part series.
Also read: Keeping the wheels of industry turning by energy optimisation – Part 1
A variety of operating models

Commercial director Dennis Williams says: “The production of thermal energy is integrated into a client’s overall production. We always say that the boiler house is the metaphorical ‘heart’ of the operation, and if this is inefficient, it has a knock-on effect on the quantity and quality of product produced – ultimately negatively impacting the bottom-line.
“With resources and skills shortages playing a large role in today’s economic challenges, AES is able to offer the client fully outsourced energy plant operation: including the provision of our own team members on site for operations, maintenance and training. We can also present a ‘cradle to grave approach’, paired with the ‘build, own, operate, transfer’ model. We are flexible and work according to the client’s requirements.”
Managing director Chris Paterson explains: “AES operates across a broad range of industrial sectors, with a well-established national footprint. We promote optimised energy processes in the following industries: power generation, mining, chemical, timber, pulp and paper, textiles, dairy, poultry, food and beverage.”
Williams observes that AES is widely regarded as the pioneering local O & M service provider in the steam and boiler plant management and maintenance industry locally, based on its nearly three decades in operation as well as the size of its client base.
“The company officially began as AES in 1996, but some of its earlier operations actually pre-date this period and were then transferred to AES when it became a standalone operation,” he clarifies.
“Our client base is also larger than any of our competitors. Additionally, AES was the first to offer an industry uptime and availability guarantee, which once again speaks to risk mitigation, as well as our status as a pioneer and forerunner.”
People and safety first
AES subscribes to the highest ethics and operates according to strict safety standards, being ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certified.
Paterson comments: “AES is committed to quality, diverse and sustainable technology advancement and the development of human capital on an equal opportunity basis. Our certification ensures that we maintain a focus on achieving, benchmarking and optimising our internally and externally-focused processes and activities.
There is no doubt that the current energy crisis requires robust, sustainable solutions. AES is determined to continue playing our role in supporting the South African economy through the optimisation and management of industrial energy efficiency, energy solutions diversification, carbon footprint reduction and risk mitigation,” he concludes.
Supplied by PR, edited by Eamonn Ryan.