Engineering and energy infrastructure firm Kulani Energy has acquired critical assets from Optipower, expanding its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) capability and retaining specialist technical resources following Murray & Roberts’ entry into business rescue.
The transaction, concluded at the end of January through Kulani Energy’s subsidiary OptiProjects, strengthens the company’s capacity to deliver high-voltage transmission lines, substations and renewable energy infrastructure. Optipower historically operated as a division of Murray & Roberts and was approved on Eskom’s Panel A contractor framework supporting the utility’s planned transmission rollout to 2030.
According to Kulani Energy, the acquisition has enabled the re-employment of specialist technical resources including project managers, construction managers and technical planners – preserving skills linked to transmission project execution.
Chief Operating Officer Thinga Nethanani says retaining experienced delivery teams is essential for infrastructure programmes. “South Africa’s grid expansion depends not only on capital investment but on retaining experienced delivery teams with the ability to execute complex transmission projects.”
OptiProjects will focus on transmission and distribution infrastructure as well as solar and wind projects, operating within Kulani Energy’s broader platform spanning professional services, EPC delivery, operations and maintenance and infrastructure investment. The acquisition was funded with support from Differential Capital.
According to Kulani, expanded EPC capability has already supported regional project activity, including participation in a 100 MW solar photovoltaic project in Guinea valued at approximately R2,9 billion.
