As industries accelerate their transition to cleaner technologies, managing the associated operational risks becomes increasingly complex and vital. Operational risk management company ProRisk, a South African subsidiary of Proconics Holdings, is tackling this challenge with innovative and flexible risk management solutions tailored to high-stakes sectors like mining, energy, chemicals and petrochemicals. ProRisk offers both traditional and innovative solutions that are designed to assist clients to identify, assess and mitigate operational risk.

ProRisk principal process safety specialist Erick Kirsten outlined the company’s comprehensive service offering. "We provide a wide range of services including the facilitation of hazard identifications, hazard and operability studies, bow tie analysis and layer of protection analysis, quantitative risk assessments, and risk-based fire and gas detection mapping,” he explained. “This last service is one we’re particularly proud of, as it leverages specialist knowledge and the capability of advanced modelling tools."

As the push for renewable energy gains pace, Kirsten noted a growing complexity in integrating new technologies like hydrogen systems and battery storage with legacy infrastructure. High-pressure hydrogen environments, sometimes reaching up to 700 bar, pose unique risks that demand rigorous safety assessments. “The petrochemical industry has had decades to learn from experience. We must now apply the same rigor to emerging energy systems to ensure safe deployment,” he emphasises.

Looking ahead, ProRisk is investing in the future of operational risk management through technology and partnerships. The company is developing next-generation tools leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence and hopes for a future where digital twins play a central role in risk mitigation.

“Risk management is not a regulatory checkbox — it’s a business enabler,” said Kirsten. “Our commitment is to help clients manage complexity responsibly, ensuring continuity and safety as they move toward a more sustainable future.”

With its technical expertise, industry insight and forward-thinking approach, ProRisk is helping shape the next era of operational assurance, one where clean energy and high safety standards go hand in hand.

Engineering News spoke to WEG Africa CEO Eduardo Werninghause at Enlit Africa 2025, in Cape Town, about WEG’s presence in Africa.

Watch a video in which Engineering News speaks to ProRisk principal process safety specialist Erick Kirsten about evolving operational risks at Enlit Africa 2025, in Cape Town.