G7ENERGIES - Key Persons
I had the chance to join the G7 team for a period of 6 months as part of my gap year. Having chosen the "Energy Process" specialisation in engineering school, it was an incredible opportunity to work with a team of renewable energy enthusiasts and to discover the South African energy market. I joined the engineering team under the supervision of François Pigeau. I was able to acquire new skills and learn new software. I was lucky enough to be taken out into the field, which was totally new to me and allowed me to see first-hand what I was working on. This internship finally gave me a good understanding of the development stages of a wind project. The company culture was incredible. I was very well received and the different people I worked with were all patient with me and I was always able to find someone to answer my questions. G7 gives you the opportunity to take responsibility and encourages curiosity and initiative. I finally got to discover a beautiful country and the wonderful city of Cape Town. I came out of this internship more motivated than ever to continue in the energy field! Alma Messina - Intern - South Africa: (6 months in 2022)
Caryn is the Environmental Manager at G7, responsible for environmental related tasks associated with Wind Farm Development. Caryn obtained her MSc (with distinction) in Environmental Science from Rhodes University in 2012.
With over 5 years of environmental consulting experience, Caryn has in-depth knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and other environmental permitting processes required for large scale renewable energy developments.
Clyde Martch is an LLB graduate and holds a Masters in Environmental law from the University of Cape Town. He is passionate about sustainability with a specific interest in renewable energy. Besides his interest in sport, Clyde also enjoys nature and spent time as a volunteer at the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). Clyde Martch - Intern - South Africa: (2021-Current)
Colette Kuhn joined the G7 team in February 2023 as Human Resources Manager. She is a human resource specialist with more than 20 years of human resources management, executive search and senior recruitment experience.
Denzel is a young Electrical Engineering professional. He joined the G7 team in October 2022 as PV Engineer after an internship of 6 months. Denzel said, "During my internship, I was looking forward to going to work every day because I was doing something that I thought was fascinating and valuable. I received enough guidance that I was able to make progress on tasks that I would normally deem out of my grasp. Almost everything was educational throughout the internship, as long as I was prepared to admit my ignorance and seek assistance. Every novice question was met with a laughter and a jest, but I was always attentively educated and mentored. I was exposed to real-world bankable project data; PVSyst simulations for utility-scale renewable energy facilities were a typical day at work.
G7 enabled me to expand my industrial skills and obtain considerable job experience, and I am grateful to announce that I currently work here."
Denzel is an Electrical Engineering professional. He joined the G7 team as PV Engineer after an internship of 6 Months. Denzel focuses mostly on electrical engineering in relation to solar PV and battery energy storage systems and does PV energy yield simulations. Previously, his engineering experience was coupled with a sales engineer role, as sales engineer at Sirius International UK.
He is currently pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Power Engineering at the University of Cape Town.
Job Titles:
- Intern - South Africa
- Wind Analyst
As a Wind Analyst intern at G7 Energies, I had the opportunity to work on several exciting projects that helped me to develop my skills in Wind data analysis. I was able to collaborate with an experienced team and learn from their expertise while also taking on individual responsibilities that challenged me to grow.
Throughout my internship, I received great support and guidance from my manager and colleagues, and the company culture is superb. They provided me with the training I needed to succeed and encouraged me to ask questions and explore different solutions to problems.
Overall, my internship at G7 was an amazing experience that allowed me to deepen my understanding of wind energy analysis. I am grateful for the opportunity and for the lessons learned, and I am confident that this experience has prepared me for my future career as a Wind Analyst.
Dolly Masilela joined the G7 team in 2023 as Wind Analyst after a 6 months internship. She obtained a BSc in Electrical Engineering at the University of Cape Town in 2016.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Management Team
- Board Member of the South African Wind Energy Association
Dr Kilian Hagemann has been in the wind industry since 2002 when he became a board member of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA). In 2004-2007 he worked for what is now DNV-GL on wind measurements, resource assessments, flow modelling and power curve related consulting in Germany, Spain and South Africa. In 2008 he completed his PhD at the University of Cape Town by publishing the "Mesoscale Wind Atlas of South Africa" as the first comprehensive wind map covering the entire country. Since 2009 he is the co-founder and managing director of G7 Renewable Energies, a wind farm developer specialising in highly efficient wind farm projects.
Job Titles:
- Economic Development Manager at G7 Renewable Energies
Elton Gordon is the Economic Development Manager at G7 Renewable Energies. Elton commenced his career in the Western Cape Provincial Government in South Africa, where he held various positions for more than a decade, focusing on rural economic development and supporting SMMEs in the tourism and agriculture sectors.
Elton has several years of experience in the South African renewable energy sector under the REIPPP programme, taking on roles centred around Economic Development. His responsibilities included providing strategic direction and oversight to community development programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of residents in designated beneficiary towns. Elton has successfully managed numerous socio-economic and enterprise development programs in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and North West Province of South Africa. He holds a B.Tech Degree in Public Management.
Job Titles:
- Engineering Manager
- Project Manager
Francois is a project manager focused on the engineering side of wind project development.
During his first years at G7, Francois was responsible for most of the technical parts of wind project developing. He is now responsible for the G7 wind monitoring campaign. Francois is in charge of planning and implementation of the measurement campaign, procurement of equipment, and specialists and consultants.
Heini Nel joined the G7 team as Energy Project Manager in 2023. He qualified as a mechanical engineer in 1988 from the University of Stellenbosch and holds an MBA from the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (1994).
From 2006, Heini worked as an energy industry professional - in corporate energy management consulting, services, and solutions with small, medium, and large, energy-intensive users, and multi-site commercial, industrial, and mining customers. For a period of 3 years before joining G7, he worked in the sub-national/provincial public sector, on renewable energy independent power producer procurement strategy, municipal programmes, and pioneering project management. The transaction advisory management components included multi-functional and multi-disciplinary aspects such as regulatory/legal, commercial/financial, engineering/technical, and other fields such as socio-economic development. Heini is also a Certified Public Private Partnership (PPP) practitioner CP3P.
Heini's energy professional career is built on more than 15 years of business experience, including project and engineering management in multinational fast-moving consumer goods and international multi-site industrial products companies, business consulting with a Big Five multinational professional services firm, followed by business venturing and start-ups, including electronic business and commerce, industrial inspection technology, medical devices, and post-harvest treatment solutions.
Hugo Lombard is a Land Rights Developer at G7. He has more than a decade of experience in Town Planning, Project Management and Residential Development in a diverse range of industries. Hugo has a bachelor's degree in Town and Regional Planning from the North-West University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from the NWU School of Business and Governance.
Jacob Pienaar obtained a degree in civil engineering from Stellenbosch University in 2017. After a few years abroad, where he worked in the traffic and transportation engineering sector, he joined G7 first as an intern, and then on a permanent basis as Civil Engineer. Jacob had the following to say about his internship:
Kobus is the G7 Site Manager focusing on wind measurement equipment installation, commissioning and maintenance, and community relations. He started his career in 2001 working at a variety of international companies, and returned to South Africa in 2006. After some years in contracting he joined G7 in 2015.
Kobus is a local farmer in the Karoo which provides him with in-depth knowledge of the area, social structures, and community. He is involved with various role players and community structures. He currently forms part of the ward committee, Community Policing Forum, Agricultural Association, and Business Chambers.
Jacobus is the G7 Land Rights Coordinator, and focusses on the accrual of lease and land rights for wind farm development. Jacobus has a B.Tech Degree in Town and Regional Planning from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Jacobus acts as a registered town and regional planner with more than a decade of planning consulting experience, specialising in securing rights for renewable energy projects. His scope includes coordinating leases and land use change processes, and managing stakeholder relationships for successful long term project execution.
Janine Essop joined G7 in 2021 as a cleaning lady and general office helper. Janine previously worked in the clothing industry and has 3 children. Her positive attitude and caring nature make her an invaluable asset to the G7 Team.
My one-year internship at G7 Renewable Energies has been an amazing experience, right from the start you are assigned important roles and responsibilities that have a high meaningful impact on the company. I was fortunate enough to begin my journey at G7 by working on the Oya Energy Project which when constructed will be the largest dispatchable renewable energy project in the world. Working on Oya, I have developed new software, analytical and communication skills and it has given me a complete overview of how a renewable energy project is developed within South Africa. G7 also takes you out your comfort zone by giving you tasks from other departments which leads to personal growth and a better understanding of the overall process of the development phase of the project. I am very grateful for working with G7, as the company promotes personal growth and encourages new and unique ideas to solve problems. The comradery between team members is what stands out for me the most and that you feel part of a team when you work here. Thank you G7 for giving me this great opportunity to learn and develop from your company, it has truly been a great experience!
Job Titles:
- Intern - the United States of America ( 2 Months )
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the Management Team
- Project Officer
Karen leads the dynamic G7 projects team, developing over 2 GW of competitive renewable energy projects in South Africa. She managed the development, bid submission process and financial close for the Oya hybrid facility, currently under construction in the Western Cape of South Africa. This innovative co-located dispatchable renewable energy generation facility is the largest plant of its kind in Africa and represents a significant step forward in addressing South Africa's ongoing power challenges.
Karen holds a master's degree in Environmental Management from the University of Stellenbosch. She passionately contributes to South Africa's successful transition to a low carbon energy mix. Karen was recognised as a 2020 Africa Energy Elite in the leadership category and received the Windaba SAWEA Watt-a-Woman award in 2022.
Job Titles:
- Environmental Project Developer
Kathryn Winstanley joined G7 in October 2022 as Environmental Project Developer after completing a 3-month internship at G7.
Kathryn is in her final year of completing a BSc in environmental management with the University of Florida.
Job Titles:
- Public Relations Specialist
Kobie oversees Public Relations at G7. She has over 25 years of diverse industry experience spanning Transport, Logistics, Corporate Social Investment, Conservation, Energy, and Telecommunications. Her academic journey includes a BA in Art, Psychology, and Sociology, and additional certifications in Corporate Governance and Project Management from UNISA. With a foundation in Graphic Design from Stellenbosch University, she brings a wealth of expertise to the role.
Job Titles:
- Senior Electrical Engineer
- Registered Electrical Engineer
Kugan Naidoo is a professionally registered electrical engineer with over 7 years of experience in multiple energy projects. His expertise encompasses medium and low voltage reticulation designs, building services electrical designs, substation designs, solar photo-voltaic designs, high and medium voltage cable system designs, feasibility studies, project planning, construction monitoring, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of hybrid solar and battery storage plants.
He served as an electrical design engineer on various projects across Africa. Kugan holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Kugan joins G7 as Senior Electrical Engineer: Operations Engineering.
The internship opportunity I had with G7 renewable energies was a great chance for learning and professional development. Therefore, I consider myself as a very lucky individual as I was provided with an opportunity to be a part of it. I am also grateful for having a chance to meet so many wonderful people and professionals who led me though this internship period. I want to thank the G7 team, for welcoming me to their office and for entrusting me with the task to assess the business activities and scale-up strategy of one of their partner companies in Kenya. I worked for the first time with mini-grids and I learned a lot about the different business models for rural electrification projects in sub-Saharan Africa. I realized that from now on, I want to devote my career to social entrepreneurship - this is where I can make the largest impact in terms of promoting renewable energy solutions and also helping people directly "on the ground".
My 6 month internship at G7 was the absolute best way to kick start my career and make a break-through into the workforce. I have gained a wide range of new skills and a broader understanding of the renewable energy project development process. I added to my technical skills by learning a wide variety of new software which I had never worked with before. I was fortunate enough to gain some exposure in the environmental field too allowing me a more well-rounded understanding of the development process. At all times, all my colleagues were patient and kind while I undertook to learn from the exceptionally talented and inspired team. The work culture is truly one of a kind- where one is encouraged to grow and learn. Thank you to G7 for allowing me the opportunity to be part of their team for the period of my internship and then believing in my abilities to the point of offering me a position as a fulltime project engineer. I am very excited for what the future holds.
Within the scope of my civil engineering studies in France, I had to do an internship of 12 weeks in a foreign country. Thank to Nicolas and Killian, I had the opportunity to be an engineering intern of G7 Renewable Energies. This three-month internship has been a fully enjoyed experience. G7 team has allowed me to gain lot of knowledge about wind farm development. This friendly and very professional team has not let me be a simple intern; I have been involved in every aspect of their work. They have trusted in my work and let me discover each step of wind project development. When I was confused about one aspect, they were here to explain me all detail I needed to get my work successful. Most of the time, I was working by myself, they were just here to give me advises and I felt like a member of the team. Finally, I learned all aspects, which have to be taken into account to get the wind farm operational. During this internship, I also discovered a new country, a new way of living and I improved my English. This professional experience is, for the time being, the most amazing period of my life. I feel lucky I had this opportunity. I would like to thank all the members of G7 Renewable Energies!
Job Titles:
- Chief Operations Officer
- Director
- Founder
- Member of the Management Team
- Board Member at the South African Wind Energy Association
Nicolas Rolland is a founder and director of G7. He qualified as a mechanical engineer in 1996 from the Fachhochscule Konstanz in Germany and holds an MBA from EM-Lyon in France since 2003.
Nicolas has worked in a multinational Swiss engineering company where he evolved from engineering to key account management prior to becoming an entrepreneur.
Since co-founding G7, Nicolas became a board member at the South African Wind Energy Association and helped the organization gain momentum from 2009 to 2011.
Philip Nel joined G7 Renewable Energies as Land Rights Developer in July 2023. Philip has comprehensive experience in providing town planning and site acquisition services, mainly within the private and telecommunications industries. Philip obtained his degree in BArt Town and Regional Planning from Northwest University in South Africa.
Pieter is one of G7's Site Technicians. He focuses on wind measurement equipment installation and mast maintenance.
Reece van Eden joined G7 Renewable Energies firstly as an intern and permanently as GIS Specialist in 2023. He has a BSc Honors in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) from the University of Cape Town. In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors and sport. Reece is a rugby player for Hamilton's RFC.
Rian Viljoen is part of the G7 site team as Assistant Site Manager and will be responsible for the administration of the G7 wind campaign and logistics, stock management and Occupational, Health and Safety functions for the team.
Rian has experience in the wind industry, having worked on the G7 Developed Roggeveld Wind Farm and the Karusa Soetwater Wind Farm projects at management level.
Rian started his career in farming and has many years of experience in being a field officer and agronomist at several companies. He holds a Diploma in Business Management and several safety training qualifications related to large construction projects.
Job Titles:
- in 2023 As Project Engineer
Sabelo Baroyi joined G7 in 2023 as Project Engineer. Sabelo completed his engineering studies at the University of Cape Town in 2021. He holds a BSc Eng in Mechanical Engineering and will be working on the early-stage development of Wind Projects. As a Project Engineer, he is responsible for optimising wind layout designs and coordinating with the project development and engineering team to meet project timelines.
Job Titles:
- GIS Technician
- in 2022 As a GIS Specialist
Sally joined G7 in 2022 as a GIS specialist to manage the current GIS datasets. She completed a degree in Environmental Science and Geographical Information Systems (Honors) at the University of Cape Town.
Samantha Downing joined G7 in November 2023 as a Data Scientist. She has a BCom Hons in Operations Research from Stellenbosch University (2021) and is currently pursuing her MEng in Industrial Engineering through Stellenbosch University. Samantha has professional experience in the retail industry, where she leveraged data and modelling techniques to drive meaningful insights and support strategic decision-making.
Job Titles:
- in 2023 As Project Administrator
- Project Administrator / Shannon
Shannon van Jaarsveld joined G7 in 2023 as Project Administrator. Shannon is a detail-oriented administrator with experience in oil and gas projects and in the legal industry.
Shaun has been in the Solar PV industry since 2012 and has travelled to Germany, India and the USA for training on Solar PV and battery energy storage systems. He is professionally registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa and a member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers.
With more than 16 years of electrical and 8 years of renewable energy experience, he is well versed in the various aspects that make up a renewable energy electrical systems.
Shaun focuses on PV energy yield assessments (PV software simulations) and electrical engineering related to Solar PV and battery energy storage systems.
Job Titles:
- Data Scientist
- in 2022 As a Data Scientist
Tayla Corney joined G7 in 2022 as a Data Scientist. He graduated from The University of Cape Town with a post-graduate degree in Statistical Sciences and achieved an MSc in Data Science with distinction through the University of London.
Job Titles:
- Head of Technical
- Head: Technical & Procurement
Theuns Duvenhage joined G7 as Head of Technical and Procurement in 2023. As a professional with a master's degree in electrical engineering and a bachelor's degree in project management, Theuns specializes in renewable energy solutions and high-voltage infrastructure. He excels in designing efficient and sustainable renewable energy systems, ensuring the reliability of HV substations, and optimizing electrical networks.
He has been involved in renewable energy projects since the second bid window of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme
Job Titles:
- Apprentice GDF - Suez - France
Trisja joined G7 as a Land Rights Developer in 2022 and was promoted to Head of Land Rights in 2024. She has a background in land use management, site acquisition and project management, with more than 8 years of experience in the private sector.
Zandri Hill joined the G7 team as an Energy Project Manager in 2024. Zandri brings impressive expertise, holding a Bachelor's in Environmental Civil Engineering. Her background in engineering and project management is extensive, with experience across wind, solar, and battery storage projects - from initial site identification to securing permits. Zandri's strong analytical skills and proven track record make her a valuable asset to our team.