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.
Projects and infrastructure in South Africa
ENSafrica
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 LLP
At Herbert Smith Freehills 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-driven‘ Brigette Baillie, who stands out for her ‘exceptionally deep legal and commercial knowledge in energy and project finance‘. The ‘extremely efficient‘ Carey-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.’
‘A dedicated team.’
‘The team has experience on most major energy projects in the country and are very familiar with current market practices.’
‘Brigette Baillie has exceptional market knowledge.’
‘Brigette and Biddy remain the “go to” for innovation and complex deals.’
‘Brigette Bailie and Carey-Anne Jennings make an exceptional team and their strengths complement each other.’
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.
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman‘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