Language Services for the Energy Sector: Power Up

Last Updated January 12, 2023

Imagine working at a power plant and reading a text that doesn’t convey the intended message. Now, learn more about language services for the energy sector

The energy sector is a major player when it comes to language services.

From daily power plant operations to the specifics of handling materials, there must be clear, internationally understood guidelines so everyone remains on the same page.

Ineffective communications could result in outages, or worse.

So, let’s look at the potential of language services for the energy sector.

State of the Energy Sector in 2023

The beginning of 2023 brings with it an emphasis on renewable energy.

In the United States alone, the renewable energy sector will see a dramatic expansion this year. Great Britain produced a record amount of wind-powered electricity in 2022, according to the National Grid. In Canada, specifically Prince Edward Island, there’s been a multi-million dollar investment in green hydrogen as the province works toward becoming net zero by 2040.

In Poland, there’s been a large rise in support for developing nuclear energy in Poland, with 75% of the public now in favor, up from 39% in 2021. The findings come during an energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine. Additionally, the Polish government moves forward with plans to develop the country’s first nuclear power plants.

In fact, Poland plans to have nuclear power from about 2033 as part of a diverse energy portfolio, moving it away from heavy dependence on coal.

Worldwide, therefore, it’s a fairly diverse scenario with respect to the energy sector, with several links across borders.

So, effective communication is clearly essential.

Language Services for the Energy Sector: What needs to be translated?

There’s no shortage of texts to be translated in the energy sector.

The list includes, but isn’t limited to the following:

  • Texts on the construction and operation of power plants
  • Installation and operating manuals for construction machinery and equipment
  • Sales and marketing
  • Training and operation manuals
  • Research and Development projects
  • Academic theses and research
  • Analyses and reports
  • Licenses and certificates
  • Health and safety manuals
  • Technical specifications, legal, and commercial documents
  • Correspondence and contracts
  • Commercial and technical content for oil companies

Honestly, it feels like we’re only scratching the surface here.

And on top of it all, this type of translation differs from others in that it requires a given word to mean exactly what it should.

In other words, there can be no room for interpretation on the part of the reader.

What would happen, for example, if an engineer building or repairing power plant machinery chose the wrong type of material or the wrong tool due to an error in translation? How much more disastrous would it be to handle materials poorly?

The original documents should therefore use clear, simple language for the benefit of everyone. The translator must also be proficient in the verbiage and terminology used in the energy sector.

How to Choose the Right Language Services for the Energy Sector

There are a few things you need to keep an eye out for when hiring the right technical translation agency. Here are a few:

1. Deep industry expertise

The benefit of working with a language service provider is they can choose the most competent persons to do a particular job. They can find an expert in the field to get the job done right.

Look for an LSP with deep knowledge of a subject (e.g., translators that specialize in energy).

To ensure accuracy and quality, our project managers select specialized technical translators with the appropriate knowledge and experience and your field.

2. Wide knowledge base

An LSP with a wide breadth of knowledge allows for more flexibility.

Keep in mind it will depend on the needs of your company; if you specialize in one area, you may not need a breadth of knowledge, but if your company has a wider scope, you will need a translator who can do it all.

3. Smart Use of CATs

To ensure consistent, high-quality translation, an LSP may make use of computer-assisted translation.

CAT software is used by translators and translation agencies that support the development of a knowledge base in various fields.

These tools allow for smooth and efficient translation based on previously translated texts and programmable translation glossaries—thematic dictionaries assembled through previous translation projects.

By making use of these tools, technical translators will consistently use the correct terms prompted automatically by the software making it easier for users to understand the manual.

With CAT software, you can be sure the commissioned translation will be done right.

Therefore, energy companies and power plant developers typically employ translation providers that make efficient use of CAT and other translation tools.

Rely on the Technical Translation Experts

Summa Linguae’s technical translation services will make sure your power plant runs smoothly, effectively, and powerfully with our deep and wide translation and localization services.

We take care to provide high-quality, accurate technical translation. Most importantly, we make sure the translations express your intended message so there’s no room for interpretation.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch to power up today.

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