As the world faces an unprecedented energy crisis requiring technical expertise, creativity, and collaboration, leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Zutari supports clients in achieving responsible growth across the energy project lifecycle. Zutari’s Generation, Transmission, Distribution, System Studies, and Industrial Energy teams combine technical and digital skills to create extraordinary value for clients.

“We combine our deep technical expertise with creative and digital skillsets to create extraordinary value for our clients,” explains Heskin Mzungu, Client Director: Energy. He believes that meeting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Just Energy Transition (JET), and long-term climate resilience and decarbonisation targets is a fine balancing act. However, Zutari is ideally positioned and resourced to tackle these challenges.

“It looks more positive now as we have received tenders for transmission projects,” reveals Mzungu. Here Zutari becomes a single point of contact for clients in this space. Apart from its technical engineering capabilities, it can supply a single solution as Owner’s Engineer, an independent representative for the project owner. It provides a critical support role throughout all stages of the asset lifecycle, in addition to project management and quality assurance support.

The JET plan, spanning 2023-2037, aims for decarbonisation and energy security, outlined in South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2023. Zutari assists clients in navigating complex policies, such as the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP) and the Gas IPP Procurement Programme.

With the unbundling of Eskom and the creation of the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), Zutari anticipates significant investment in the transmission network. Mzungu emphasises the importance of financial viability in energy projects and Zutari’s role in guiding clients through technical, financial, and legal challenges.

The private sector’s investment in renewable energy, alongside coal as a baseload source, provides a more positive energy outlook. Mzungu notes the affordability and scalability of renewable technologies and Zutari’s extensive experience in the sector. While municipalities lag, opportunities exist at the local government level.

Looking ahead, Mzungu foresees increased private sector uptake of solar energy, with coal remaining a key energy source. Despite challenges, the energy transition is progressing, with Zutari’s stakeholder engagement enhancing public participation and job creation.

Its capability in this regard allows it to assist communities and enormously increase public participation on projects, generating jobs on the ground, and then obviously ensuring that all the necessary permitting is in place. “It is a complex process with many factors to consider, which is why clients really need the single point of contact we can provide,” concludes Mzungu.