Kulani Energy Acquires Optipower Assets To Strengthen South Africa’s Grid Expansion

Kulani Energy has acquired key assets from Optipower, strengthening its position in South Africa’s power infrastructure market. Optipower historically operated as a division of Murray & Roberts Limited, one of the country’s well-known construction companies.

The acquisition was completed at the end of January 2026 through Kulani Energy’s subsidiary, OptiProjects. The subsidiary focuses on power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy infrastructure. Kulani Energy is a wholly black women-owned engineering and energy infrastructure company.

According to Thinga Nethanani, Chief Operating Officer of Kulani Energy, the deal will expand the company’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) capacity. He said South Africa’s grid expansion requires not only funding but also experienced teams that can deliver complex transmission projects. He explained that the acquisition strengthens execution capacity in a market that is currently under pressure and highlights the role Kulani Energy can play in supporting and stabilising critical national infrastructure.

The transaction was finalised while Murray & Roberts Limited was under business rescue. This allowed important EPC skills and capabilities to remain in the market, which might otherwise have been lost. Through OptiProjects, Kulani Energy will now deliver high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and renewable energy projects, including solar and wind installations.

Before entering business rescue, Optipower was one of the EPC contractors approved under Panel A for Eskom. The utility is planning to roll out about 14,000 kilometres of transmission lines by 2030. With this acquisition, Kulani Energy has also re-employed key technical specialists such as project managers, construction managers, and technical planners. This step helps protect scarce engineering skills in a sector that has faced long-term decline.

The acquisition was supported financially by Differential Capital. The investor recognised Kulani Energy’s ability to operate and integrate complex infrastructure projects. Vincent Anthonyrajah, CEO of Differential Capital, said the decision to support the deal was based on the Kulani team’s experience, track record, and disciplined execution. He added that the company presented a strong long-term business plan aimed at generating steady returns while strengthening the EPC sector.

Following the acquisition, Kulani Energy has already secured participation in a 100MW solar photovoltaic project in Guinea valued at about US$180 million. The project signals growing regional demand for its services. OptiProjects will now operate as part of Kulani Energy’s broader strategy, which includes professional services, EPC delivery, operations and maintenance, and infrastructure investments.