Jasco Group has appointed former Broadband Infraco CEO, Dave Smith, as MD of its Renewable Energy division.
Smith resigned from the struggling South African stated-owned network infrastructure company in 2011.
From 2012 to December 2013, Smith worked as an independent consultant for Imphandze Advisory Services before coming to Jasco.
This is a new position within the Jasco Group and the company notes Smith will be tasked with new business development within the renewable energy sector, with a particular focus on solar and hybrid energy solutions in the commercial sector as well as building project-delivery capabilities.
According to Smith, the short-term goals for the department include expanding the existing Jasco brand into the renewable energy sector by delivering well-engineered, high-performance solutions at a number of important, high-capacity solar PV reference sites.
He says his long-term goal is to establish Jasco as the partner of choice for ongoing solar PV lifecycle-managed services.
Smith notes it is important for SA to achieve sufficient renewable energy production capacity to displace electrical load traditionally supplied by the utility grid, which will ultimately contribute to security of supply.
Alternative renewable energy sources have the potential to supply electricity in the country, he says.
Because of ongoing incidents of load-shedding, there are concerns among many South African consumers about being completely dependent on utility grid supply.
Furthermore, consumers are worried about the future electricity price increases required to fund utility asset maintenance, refurbishment, replacement and expansion, says Smith.
He points out a number of organisations have already invested in solar renewable energy solutions and are experiencing benefits above initial expectations - but a larger number are investigating the possibility of making an initial investment.
Investments in renewable energy solutions by South African businesses (particularly profitable, large power users) will have to grow significantly in the future to have a broader impact on financial and economy growth, he adds.
Smith's skill in electricity power system infrastructure development will be invaluable in the development of our renewable energy solution, says Paul Divall, MD, Intelligent Technologies at Jasco.
He notes Smith's ability to deliver strategic planning and sound business case development will enable Jasco to build and increase its client base.
Smith holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Stellenbosch, as well as a Master's degree in business leadership from the University of South Africa's Graduate School of Business Leadership.
He has experience in the energy sector, having worked in various positions at Eskom for more than 15 years, including electrification, system planning, network development and transmission on the engineering side, before moving into the telecommunications sphere.
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