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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Karl Socikwa
CHAIRMAN
Karl is a business executive and lawyer having served in senior executive roles in public and private sector companies in South Africa over the last three decades. His most recent position has been with the Sanlam Group, Africa’s leading insurance and asset management business having served the group in two key roles. The first as Chief Executive of the Sanlam Retail Mass business cluster for three and a half years and most recently as Group Executive (Market Development and Sustainability) since September 2020. -
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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Marcel Steinberg
CEO
As the CEO of Blue Energy, Marcel leads the company with a vision to revolutionize the renewable energy landscape in Africa. With a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation, Marcel has spearheaded the development and management of distributed renewable energy assets across the continent. Under their leadership, Blue Energy is at the forefront of driving clean energy solutions that empower communities, foster economic growth, and contribute to a greener future.
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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’s career began in steel manufacturing operations, providing him with deep insights into industrial processes. He then transitioned into the tech industry as a product manager, excelling in product development and technology operations. This diverse background enables Lourens to integrate operational efficiency with technological innovation, positioning Blue Energy for significant growth.
Operational Team
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Charlene Potgieter
SUSTAINABILITY AND CULTURE OFFICER
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Saskia Smuts
OPERATIONS 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.