Our team has combined over 80 years of energy experience.
Our commitment to exceptional customer service and support means that we are available to answer any questions you may have and to provide ongoing maintenance and support
as needed.
Our team of experts has a deep understanding of energy with a focus on solar and battery storage solutions as well as energy efficiency technologies. We work closely with our clients to design custom integrated solutions that meet their specific needs and goals. Whether you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, lower your energy costs, or increase your energy independence, we can provide the reliable and sustainable energy solutions you need.
Executive Team
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Marcel Steinberg
CEO
Marcel has been managing renewable energy projects in landfill gas; waste-to-energy; wind, solar and bio-mass, for over 20 years. Co-founder of PowerX, Africa’s first green energy exchange, he is a passionate environmentalist who believes that business can be used as a force for good in the world. At Blue Energy Africa, Marcel ensures that driving innovation and providing renewable clean utility outcomes remain our core focus.
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Sarah De Villiers
Independent Non Executive Director
Sarah has over 25 years experience in the asset management industry and previously was the portfolio manager of a R4 billion private equity fund in South Africa. Having served on numerous company boards across different sectors and stage of life businesses, Sarah brings her depth of experience as a non-executive independent director to Blue Energy Africa’s Board, helping to instil governance and risk frameworks whilst also supporting the Board execute on its strategy.
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Jan Van Ravenswaay
CTO
Jan is an energy professional with over 25 years’ experience in technical project design, development and integration for various energy technologies (including nuclear) for projects both in South Africa, and abroad.
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Allen Carelse
CFO
Allen is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in a broad range of finance functions. He has held senior finance roles in the energy sector since 2016 and has been directly involved in the installation of over 250MW of solar photovoltaic projects in South Africa.
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Lourens Ferreira
COO
Lourens has extensive experience in the technology and project management space. Developing projects, products and systems with a human-first approach, he’s successfully completed projects across various industries and different sized companies.
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Andrew Uglietti
CMO
As the previous CEO of Itec, Andrew has extensive relationships and experience related to off balance sheet equipment financing with South African and international blue-chip corporates.
Operational Team
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Charlene Potgieter
PROJECT COORDINATOR
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KGOTSO MENTOOR
PROJECT COORDINATOR
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SAINESH RAMNARAIN
PROJECT ENGINEER
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LOLWETHU CHINGWARU
PROJECT FINANCE MANAGER
Our Investment Partners
Gaia Renewables REIT Limited believes that ESG principles are crucial to develop climate and socially resilient companies based on sustainable growth and reducing climate impact that deliver long-term value for investors. Furthermore, we recognize that investments often benefit from following sound social, environmental, and governance practices. ESG analysis and management can improve profitability and manage risk, resulting in more resilient companies. Therefore, we are committed responsible investment and to integrating ESG considerations across all stages of the investment process, from screening to exit and operating principles.
This ESMS outlines Gaia Renewable REIT’s approach to integrating sustainability considerations into its investment activities and strategies, how ESG are aligned with the Fund’s values and practices, the Fund’s overall mission and objectives, and how the Fund will address ESG challenges.
Sustainable Investment Objective
The REIT’s mission is to play a catalytic role in promoting a sustainable project development cycle and crowd in more investors at all stages of the funding ecosystem by (1) being the preferred partner to increase business resilience by reducing risk and stabilise future potential energy expenditure and dependence on sustainable energy provision and (2) drawing in private capital into the project funding ecosystem.
Renewable Energy Development Capital
Accelerate the development of climate infrastructure projects through the funding of energy infrastructure to support a just transition to a net-zero South Africa, by supporting renewable energy deployment and provide financial supplement by crowding in private investors.
Providing Access to Clean Electricity
Prioritise and promote exemplary governance structures, policies, and procedures to ensure effective operation and continued supply of clean electricity.
Energy Resilience of Businesses
Increasing energy resilience for businesses in South Africa.
UN SDGs supported are SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 Climate Action.
The Sustainable Investment Objective of the Fund takes an environmental facet as it directly contributes to the EU Environmental Objectives. Sustainable Investments will contribute to Climate Change Mitigation in alignment to the COP21 Paris Agreement adopted in 2015.