Norwegian renewable energy independent power producer (IPP), Norsk Solar AS, is establishing a new subsidiary in South Africa as part of its global expansion strategy. The company primarily focuses on commercial and industrial (C&I), and utility-scale solar energy projects in emerging markets.
The solar energy developer is targeting fast growing C&I markets where access to clean, low-cost energy can make a significant economic and environmental impact.
The company says it offers businesses and industries, “a grid alternative that gives them more control and reliability, reduces costs and cuts their carbon emissions. Our know-how and financing platform enable us to deploy rapidly on projects, putting Norsk Solar in a strong position to become a significant player in South Africa,” said Øyvind Vesterdal, CEO of Norsk Solar.
Norsk Solar South Africa will be led by Country Manager Ramon Tavenor, who has extensive knowledge of solar renewable energy system development and a 13-year background in electro-mechanical engineering and construction, including five years as COO of a leading African Engineering, Procurement and Construction firm within the solar sector.
Commenting on his appointment as Country Manager, Ramon Tavenor said; “I am looking forward to growing Norsk Solar’s presence in South Africa and helping companies and industry players transition from grid dependency to cost-saving, renewable energy solutions.”
The addition of a country manager and additional staff is part of the company’s long-term strategy in the Sub-Saharan markets, with special focus on South Africa.
Previous Norsk Solar activities in South Africa date back to 2018 and include membership in USAIDsponsored Power Africa, an investment into the renewable energy company Sustain Solar (Sustainable Power Generation (Pty) Ltd.), as well as several solar C&I projects currently under development. Over the next several months, Norsk Solar plans to add several full-time employees in South Africa to follow up the company’s activities. The company is based in Stavanger, Norway and has offices in Ukraine, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Vietnam
