Founded in 1998, engineering firm TerraStruc will soon set up shop on South African soil as part of its growth trajectory, which includes contracting capabilities and design, construction and property development for renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

As part of this move into the lower half of Africa, TerraStruc partner Johann Schoeman says that the company is aiming to have its first project in South Africa up-and-running by mid-2022.

While unable to share specific project details, Schoeman explains that through its projects, TerraStruc is hoping to help “rebuild South Africa” with the company’s international experience, which it largely gained from its head office in Dubai.

Considering that the renewable energy market in South Africa already boasts a wealth of knowledge and experience, Schoeman says that TerraStruc's unique approach will be advantageous to the industry, and its industry partners, as the company is “adept at finding resourceful and innovative solutions, which is combined with a pragmatic approach guided by international best practice”.

While South Africa has a lot of “red tape and bureaucracy” that inhibits doing business, Schoeman is confident TerraStruc‘s experience in dealing with corruption and bureaucracy in Azerbaijan, a country which spans Asia and Europe, will prove useful.

The company’s experience in these regions, as well as its experience in renewable energy projects across numerous climates, will position the company, Schoeman says, in such a manner as to mean that it does “not deviate from its mission” but instead follows an honest and transparent approach.

Considering that hurdles will more than likely appear, as with any given project, TerraStruc believes it will be able to mitigate any hesitancy from South African partners owing to its involvement in setting up the solar industry in Dubai, where the company was also involved in compiling the industry standards, among others, says Schoeman.

South Africa, he notes, is “ahead of Dubai” when considering solar, strengthening Schoeman’s belief that TerraStruc will fast become a “leading solutions provider” in the country, simultaneously growing organically and building long-term relationships – a priority for the company.

“We can provide the best value for money, while also employing people and supporting and building the South African supply chain,” he tells Engineering News.

TerraStruc attended the recent Africa Energy Indaba, held earlier this month, as a means of introduction to its services, and to ink the engineering, procurement and construction contract for its upcoming solar project.