Staff Writer
Kulani Energy has acquired key assets from Optipower, a former division of Murray & Roberts Limited, which is currently in business rescue.
The deal was concluded at the end of January 2026 through Kulani Energy’s subsidiary, OptiProjects. The subsidiary focuses on power transmission and distribution, as well as renewable energy infrastructure.
Kulani Energy is a wholly Black women-owned engineering and energy infrastructure company. The acquisition strengthens its engineering, procurement and construction capacity to support grid expansion in South Africa.
The transaction was completed while Murray & Roberts was in business rescue. Kulani said this preserved skills and capability that might have left the market.
OptiProjects will deliver high-voltage transmission lines, substations and renewable energy projects, including solar and wind. Before business rescue, Optipower was one of the contractors approved on Eskom’s Panel A and supported the utility’s planned 14 000-kilometre transmission rollout to 2030.
Kulani Energy has re-employed specialist staff, including project managers, construction managers and technical planners. The company said this protects scarce skills in a sector that has faced contraction.
“South Africa’s grid expansion depends not only on capital investment but also on retaining experienced delivery teams with the ability to execute complex transmission projects,” said Thinga Nethanani, chief operating officer of Kulani Energy.
The acquisition was funded with support from Differential Capital. The investment firm said it recognised Kulani Energy’s role as an operator and integrator of infrastructure assets.
“Our confidence was driven by the experience, track record and disciplined execution of the KulaniEnergy team,” said Vincent Anthonyrajah, chief executive officer of Differential Capital.
Anthonyrajah said Kulani Energy presented a long-term business plan aimed at generating shareholder returns while strengthening a construction sector that has struggled with low returns.
Since adding OptiProjects’ capacity, Kulani Energy has secured a contract to participate in a 100 MW solar photovoltaic project in Guinea. The project is valued at about R2.9 billion.
“OptiProjects will operate as part of Kulani Energy’s broader platform strategy spanning professional services, EPC delivery, operations and maintenance, and investments,” Nethanani said.
