Mulilo Energy, which focuses on onshore wind, solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies and battery energy storage systems, believes that the provision of cost-effective energy solutions enabling high-impact local economic development and social upliftment are key to a just transition to renewable energy in South Africa.
This philosophy has seen it succeed in the country’s REIPPP program and private offtake market with more than 420MW of operational solar PV and onshore wind projects and a further 1087 MW of solar PV, onshore wind, and battery energy storage system projects currently under financial close.
Recently (July 2023) its ability to deliver on its sustainability goals for South Africa was given substantial impetus when a majority share in Mulilo was acquired by the world’s largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Growth Markets Fund I.
Cullum, who has been CEO of Mulilo since it opened doors in 2008, has presided over this success, which he attributes to ‘the exceptionally talented and committed group of people who work at Mulilo’.
He said he has known Fourie for several years and describes him as ‘one the most respected, reputable individuals in the renewables industry’. “I have absolute confidence in Jan’s ability to lead the company as it strives to fulfil its ambitious 5-year growth target of 5GW of renewables,” he said.
Fourie added: “I am thrilled to join Mulilo as CEO at this pivotal moment in its and South Africa’s energy history. With CIP’s support, my focus will be on unlocking the potential that Mulilo has to scale its operations and deliver clean, reliable energy to millions. This is about more than just business: it is about building a brighter future for all.”
Mulilo Chairman, Jan Oberholzer, echoed Cullum’s belief in Fourie and mirrored the latter’s outlook on the future: “Since 2009 and under Johnny’s guidance, Mulilo has grown into a significant value-added company intent on delivering a sustainable electricity supply to South Africa. Our thanks for Johnny’s unwavering dedication, outstanding leadership, and countless contributions that have shaped the success of our company are heartfelt, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.
“Jan’s succession as CEO is a significant milestone in Mulilo’s journey. He brings with him significant experience and knowledge, and we know he will build on the foundation laid by Johnny and ensure Mulilo remains committed to delivering excellence and adding substantial value – not only to our stakeholders – but to the economy and the lives of the 61 million people of our beautiful country.”
Robert Helms, partner at CIP, the majority-owner of Mulio, commented further: “We are happy to welcome Jan to Mulilo and are certain that he and the strong management team will maintain the positive trajectory of the company and deliver on Mulilo’s ambition of making a positive contribution to the green transition as well as local growth and job creation in South Africa.”
Cullum will continue to serve Mulilo as a Board Member and retains his shareholding in the company.