Renewable energy opens project opportunitities

Expanding capacity and employing more staff in its projects division is on the cards for Berry & Donaldson in 2014. According to the company’s projects director, Jason Schouw, this is due to an increase in projects turnover in 2013. “Our outlook is very positive and is one of a steep upward curve as we grow capacity.” The company, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, has established itself firmly in the projects sector and growing this arm of the business is a priority for Schouw. “We are the selected logistics provider for two renewable energy plants in the Northern Cape which have required the movement of massive industrial components brought in from overseas to be cleared through customs and then transported from ports such as Cape Town and Lüderitz via road freight to Pofadder and Upington,” he told FTW. “As the volumes of imported components for these and other projects have increased (throughout 2013), coupled with the spinoffs of these projects, so too has the growth in capacity in our projects division.” He said it had become clear that further expansion was required. “There is definitely an uptake of renewable energy projects in South Africa, many that are financed by overseas companies, but also locally devised and developed projects.” While dealing with project cargo comes with its own set of challenges – including the lack of transport infrastructure and limited availability of specialised equipment – Schouw says the long-term outlook for the sector is positive. “Companies, however, have to continue to invest in their capacity to be able to service this sector well. At the same time experience and the ability to customise and personalise service is just as important.” INSERT There is definitely an uptake of renewable energy projects in South Africa.