Projects and infrastructure in South Africa

ENSafrica

ENSafrica’s ‘highly experienced‘ project development and project finance department is led by Eric le Grange, who garners praise for bringing ‘a wealth of experience in power and infrastructure financing’ to the practice. The team continues to handle a high volume of renewable energy projects, as well as assisting sponsors, contractors, lenders, borrowers and developers with infrastructure development matters within the rail, oil and gas, mining and roads sectors. Lauren Petersen brings expertise in public private partnerships, while Noma Modise advises international financial institutions on the financing of projects within South Africa. Kumeshnie Naidoo acts on infrastructure and project development matters. Loren Tibshraeny, John Ferraz and Sasha Singh are singled out for their contributions. Venetia Govender left the firm in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Eric le Grange


Other key lawyers:

Loren Tibshraeny; Noma Modise; Lauren Petersen; John Ferraz; Sasha Singh; Kumeshnie Naidoo


Testimonials

‘Always easy to approach and make themselves available to discuss issues. Have been creative in proposing workable solutions.’

The team responds well to pressure and keeps to deadlines.’

‘Eric le Grange has an excellent negotiating style – firm yet diplomatic and always mild mannered.’

Eric le Grange, Noma Modise, Lauren Petersen and Loren Tibshraeny are always accessible.’

Key clients

Standard Bank Namibia Limited


Standard Bank South Africa Limited


VS Hydro Africa


MOL Power Hydroelectric Energy


Work highlights


  • Advised Standard Bank Namibia Limited and Standard Bank South Africa Limited on the development of the 44MW Diaz wind farm in Namibia.
  • Acting as sponsor counsel to VS Hydro and MOL Energy regarding the development of a 5MW hydro power plant in Zimbabwe.
  • Advised four banks on the development and financing of a separate onshore wind facility with a contracted capacity of 140 MW, made up of three wind farms.

Fasken

Led by Lara Bezuidenhoudt, the finance and projects team at Fasken has a solid track record in assisting borrowers, lenders, sponsors and government entities with financing high-value mining, energy, infrastructure, transportation, oil and gas and utilities projects. Ashen Jugoo advises lenders and sponsors on public-private partnerships, and has expertise in handling project and infrastructure finance. Simone Bryson works on power and energy sector transactions. Onalerona Phiri assists with renewable energy project agreements. Michal Raviv is a star name in the department.

Practice head(s):

Lara Bezuidenhoudt


Other key lawyers:

Ashen Jugoo; Simone Bryson; Onalerona Phiri; Michal Raviv


Testimonials

‘Fasken’s partners collaborate well and are prepared when engaging with lenders. They bring a cohesive view to the table having considered implications across the breadth of the transaction.’

Lara’s depth of understanding of developing corporate PPA from a lenders’ perspective is unmatched. We value her insight and steer on matters.’

Michal Raviv is demonstrating an impressive growth trajectory. Most appreciative of her safe pair of hands at each stage of the the deal lifecycle.’

Key clients

Absa Bank Limited


Nedbank Limited


Standard Bank of South Africa


Development Bank of Southern Africa


RMB


Investec Bank Limited


Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited


United Nations Development Fund


West African Energy SA


Work highlights


  • Advised Absa Bank Limited, Nedbank Limited and Standard Bank of South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa on all aspects of the financing of two registered 100 MW SOLA Group energy projects.

Herbert Smith Freehills South Africa LLP

At Herbert Smith Freehills South Africa LLP, the ‘very hands-on‘ energy and projects team is highly regarded for advising on complex, integrated infrastructure and power transactions and projects. Renewable energy mandates form the backbone of the practice, which is led by the ‘solution-drivenBrigette Baillie, who stands out for her ‘exceptionally deep legal and commercial knowledge in energy and project finance‘. The ‘extremely efficientCarey-Anne Jennings focuses on public-private partnerships and limited recourse project finance transactions. Biddy Faber has an excellent track record in handling project finance mandates, and Nathan Mallinson acts on PPP and concession agreements. Busisiwe Sibeko, Ross Lomax and Sarah Burman also stand out for their contributions.

Practice head(s):

Brigette Baillie


Other key lawyers:

Ross Lomax; Biddy Faber; Nathan Mallinson; Sarah Burman; Carey-Anne Jennings; Busisiwe Sibeko


Testimonials

‘Brigette Baillie has excellent negotiation skills and an uncanny ability in guiding the client.’

‘Brigette Baillie is an outstanding project finance lawyer, with an exceptional market understanding, deep legal and contractual experience, amazing negotiation skills and – cherry on the cake – is fun to work with !’

‘The team is adaptable to clients’ needs. This is an important skill when working on dynamic, challenging infrastructure projects.’

Key clients

Air Liquide S.A.


EDF Renewables Pty Ltd


G7 Renewable Energies Pty Ltd


Rand Merchant Bank


Scatec ASA


Egis, IC İÇTAŞ İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret, African Infrastructure Investment Fund and STOA


Engie Afrique


Facility for Investments in Renewable Small Transactions (RF) (Pty) Ltd


Illovo Sugar Africa (Pty) Ltd


Mulilo Renewable Project Developments (Pty) Ltd


Sedibelo Platinum Mines Ltd


Seriti Green (Pty) Ltd


International Finance Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised IFC and RMB on the financing of Scatec’s 50MW solar PV project at Selebi Phikwe in Botswana.
  • Advised Africa Rainbow Energy & Power, as equity funder and shareholder, on the financing of the equity investments in the SOLA sponsored PPA with ARM.
  • Advising Seriti Green on its renewable energy project and PPA for Seriti Power.

Bowmans

Bowmans’ project finance practice is led by Shamilah Grimwood-Norley, who heads the firm’s banking and finance department, and Patrick Hirsch, who leads the project finance group. Grimwood-Norley has ‘deep knowledge of the infrastructure space‘ and acts for sponsors, lenders and government entities in PPP and IPP projects; Hirsch is sought after by mining, energy and transportation clients for his expertise in transactional matters. Daryn Webb and Anton Barnes-Webb are key practitioners in the team.

Practice head(s):

Shamilah Grimwood-Norley; Patrick Hirsch


Other key lawyers:

Daryn Webb; Anton Barnes-Webb


Testimonials

The team has good turnaround time.’

‘Excellent expertise in the field of infrastructure from Shamilah Grimwood-Norley and Daryn Webb. They also seem to have a good network within Africa.’

‘Daryn Webb has excellent and deep knowledge of the infrastructure space in Africa.’

Key clients

FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank Division)


Norsk Solar AS


Futuregrowth Asset Management Proprietary Limited


Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) Limited


Development Bank of Southern Africa Limited


iNguza Investments (RF) Limited


Straits Gas (Pty) Ltd


Goldwind New Energy South Africa


Sonnedix Prieska Disposal


Work highlights


  • Advising RMB in connection with the restructure of the Old Mutual Ideas Fund, one of South Africa’s largest domestic infrastructure equity funds, valued at ZAR21,3m.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

At Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, oil and gas work remains a key area of instruction for the energy team, which continues to handle M&A, project finance, PPAs, IPP procurement and construction contracts pertaining to embedded and large-scale power generation projects. Infrastructure expert Andrew van Niekerk jointly leads the practice with Megan Rodgers, who specialises in upstream oil and gas matters. Tessa Brewis brings experience in handling M&A and project development matters in relation to renewable energy projects. Anita Moolman advises on public-private partnerships and public sector procurement matters. Amore Carstens also stands out for her contributions.

Practice head(s):

Megan Rodgers; Andrew van Niekerk


Other key lawyers:

Tessa Brewis; Anita Moolman; Amore Carstens


Testimonials

Andrew van Niekerk and Tessa Brewis are brilliant in their field.’

Key clients

Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas


The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR)


Cennergi (Exxaro Energy)


Lephalale Solar Project (LSP)


Africa Energy Corp


Searcher Seismic


Newcastle Energy


FATA EPC


Scatec


AMEA Power


Daystar Power


Puma Energy


Go Solr


Arcelor Mittal


Serengeti Energy


Sasol Africa


Richard Bay Gas Power 2


Metier Investment and Advisory Services


Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa)


African Clean Energy Developments


Energy Infrastructure Management Services


Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc

Project finance is a core pillar of strength in Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc‘s practice, which is equally strong in handling project development mandates for a client base predominantly made up of development finance institutions and international and domestic banks. Department head Jackie Midlane ‘tailors her advice to ensure that one is properly guided‘; she regularly acts for energy, mining and telecoms sector entities. Matt Ash advises lenders, developers, sponsors, equity financiers and contractors on infrastructure and energy projects. Raghemah Hendricks and Devan Falconer are also singled out for their expertise in project finance.

Practice head(s):

Jackie Midlane


Other key lawyers:

Matt Ash; Raghemah Hendricks; Devan Falconer


Testimonials

‘Excellent team managed by Jackie Midlane. Well-rounded, efficient, experts in their field.’

‘Jackie Midlane stands out.’

Key clients

Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking Division)


The Development Bank of Southern Africa Limited


Enel Green Power RSA


The Industrial Corporation of South Africa Ltd


Infinity Power Holdings BV


International Finance Corporation


Nedbank Limited


PPC Ltd


RTI International


Sonnedix Africa B.V.


The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Total Energies Renewables


Upgrade Energy Africa


Vision Water KZN (Pty) Ltd


Wartsila Southern Africa


Work highlights


  • Advised Sibanye-Stillwater on its PPA with Castle Wind Farm Proprietary Limited.
  • Advised Infinity Power on its acquisition of a 100% stake in Lekela Power, an Africa-based wind power platform, from a consortium led by Actis and Mainstream.
  • Advising The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Absa Bank Limited and Nedbank Limited on the financing for the construction, operation and maintenance of the 75 MW Du Plessis Dam Solar PV 1 facility and its associated infrastructure.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Claire Barclay and London-based Apicksha Patel jointly lead the ‘very responsive‘ finance and projects team at Pinsent Masons LLP. Barclay is well known for her expertise in assisting developers, sponsors, development finance institutions and governments with infrastructure project mandates spanning the African continent. Construction expert Jurg Van Dyk advises clients in the renewable energy sector; Emma Roberts has extensive experience in offtake agreements, power purchase agreements, and infrastructure development matters. Themba Chauke is active in contentious energy and infrastructure work.

Practice head(s):

Claire Barclay; Apicksha Patel


Other key lawyers:

Emma Roberts; Jurg van Dyk; Themba Chauke


Testimonials

‘Pinsent Mason’s team takes every instruction seriously and are great communicators.’

Key clients

Egis Projects SAS and Egis Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd


PSA International Pte Limited


Africa50


Bongwe Investments (Pty) Ltd


Traxtion Sheltam (Pty) Ltd


Abt Associates Inc


Development Bank of Southern Africa


Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit


Voltalia South Africa Pty Ltd


SOLA Group


Pele Green Energy Pty Ltd


Inspired Evolution


Bushveld Mining


Werksmans Attorneys

Werksmans Attorneys‘ projects and infrastructure practice houses ‘a well rounded team with extensive expertise‘. IPP and PPP procurement projects have been prominent in the group’s workload, and the department has a solid track record in handling infrastructure projects across the water, mining, energy, defence, road and rail sectors. Practice head Chris Moraitis has experience in advising on infrastructure project matters and public-private partnerships, and leverages his expertise in banking to assist with project and limited resource financing matters. Astrid Berman advises on all areas of infrastructure projects. Jonathan Behr‘s expertise spans private IPP projects, project development matters and energy-focused financing transactions.

Practice head(s):

Chris Moraitis


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Behr; Astrid Berman


Testimonials

‘The team mixes tremendous experience, pragmatism, commercialism and legal expertise. They’re also time conscious which is very important.’

Chris Moraitis and Jonathan Behr are especially impressive.’

‘The team covers all aspects of project finance; they can undertake work on behalf of sponsors, offtakers and lenders. All the lawyers are extremely experienced and helpful, and they are able to identify and resolve issues to ensure that transactions succeed.’

‘Chris Moraitis is able to navigate issues to ensure the success of the transactions.’

Astrid Berman is very knowledgeable on finance issues and able to break issues down to ensure understanding and an easy resolution.’

Key clients

Korea Electric Power Corporation


Vulindlela holdings


Marubeni Corporation


Nedbank Limited


African Renewable Energy Developments (ACED)


Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) Limited


Public Investment Corporation


Raubex


Standard Bank


South African National Roads Agency


Thungela Resources Limited


Vestas


WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd


EDF Renewables


Rand Merchant Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised Old Mutual and ACED on a 30MW solar PV project, with corporate power purchase agreements with a large mining house.
  • Advised ACED and Old Mutual equity investment in the 69MW Msenge Wind renewable energy facility to supply energy under a PPA to Sasol South Africa Limited.
  • Acted for the AIIM consortium, made up of African Infrastructure Investment Managers, through its renewable energy project development and delivery platform, African Clean Energy Developers and Reatile Renewables, in the successful financial closing of the 89MW Castle Wind Farm project, which will deliver power to Sibanye-Stillwater.

Allen & Overy (South Africa) LLP

Allen & Overy (South Africa) LLP‘s practice is completely integrated within the firm’s global projects group, and has been kept busy advising energy, infrastructure, mining and financial services clients on high-value project financings. Department head Alexandra Clüver is ‘a fantastic leader‘ with an excellent reputation for assisting clients in the energy sector with project development and finance matters. Alessandra Pardini is a key name for power purchase agreements, and Alexandra Felekis handles project and infrastructure finance work. Mongezi Dladla, Danielle van der Vaart, and Lucia Selaelo are singled out for their contributions.

Practice head(s):

Alexandra Clüver


Other key lawyers:

Alessandra Pardini; Alexandra Felekis; Mongezi Dladla; Danielle van der Vaart; Lucia Selaelo


Testimonials

‘They are top of the field and leading the pack in the newest commercial and industrial / wheeling segment of the power sector. They continue to do excellent REIPPP work as well.’

‘Great legal minds, and absolute experts in their field.’

‘Team is knowledgeable, confident and trail blazing in the energy sector.’

Key clients

Actis LLP


African Investment Infrastructure Fund (AIIM)


Afrisam


Berkeley Energy


CDC Group PLC


DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH


Development Bank of Southern Africa Limited (DBSA)


Engie


EDF Renewables


Enel Green Power


Energy Now


Envusa Energy


Glencore Operations (South Africa) Proprietary Limited


Harith General Partners


Impala Platinum Limited


Independent Power Producers Office


International Finance Corporation (IFC)


Investec Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Institutional Banking division)


Kelvin Power Proprietary Limited


Khoemacau Copper Proprietary Limited


Mainstream South Africa Renewable Power


Manganese Metal Company


Metier Sustainable Capital Fund


Nedbank Limited (acting through its Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking Division)


NOA Group Holdings Limited


OMLACSA


Pele Green Energy Proprietary Limited


Rand Merchant Bank, a division of FirstRand Bank Limited


Rio Tinto


Samancor Chrome Limited


Sanlam Life Insurance Limited (acting through its Sanlam Capital Markets division)


Stanlib Infrastructure Fund


Seriti Power


Sturdee Energy


The Standard Bank of South Africa


Tronox Mineral Sands Proprietary Limited


Yellow Door Energy


Webber Wentzel

At Webber Wentzel, the project finance and development practice continues to advise developers, sponsors and lenders on the procurement and financing aspects of natural resources, infrastructure and energy projects. Department head Jason Van Der Poel regularly handles power purchases agreements, limited recourse project financings, and public-private partnerships. Janine Lamb brings expertise in acquisition and leveraged finance and syndicated loans, and Hielien Venter is well versed in advising on infrastructure projects. Makgati Makgatho assists with public-private partnerships relating to prominent infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Jason van der Poel


Other key lawyers:

Hielien Venter; Janine Lamb; Makgati Makgatho


Key clients

Sasol