05 May 2015
The Jasco Group has recently
appointed Dave Smith as the Managing Director of Jasco Renewable Energy,
effective 1 March 2015. With qualifications in electrical engineering and
business and more than 20 years of experience in utility power, network
development, transmission and telecoms, Smith brings with him a diverse array
of expertise ideally suited to this challenging position. He will be tasked
with new business development within the emerging sector of renewable energy,
with a particular focus on solar and hybrid energy solutions in the commercial
sector.
“The power supply situation
in South Africa is an issue that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
The cost of unserved energy, in other words the indirect cost of not supplying
power to those who need it, can and will have a significant impact on growth
and the economy. There are also widespread concerns relating to on-going
electricity price increases. The reality is that we need to look at alternative sources to sustain the supply of
electricity. Independent studies have shown that renewable energy has the
potential to achieve just this, and I am excited to be a part of growing this
emerging market in South Africa,” says Smith.
Smith holds a degree in Electrical Engineering
from the University of Stellenbosch, as well as a Master’s degree in Business
Leadership from the University of South Africa’s Graduate School of Business
Leadership. He is vastly experienced in the energy sector, having worked in
various positions at Eskom for more than 15 years, including electrification,
system planning, network development and transmission on the engineering side,
before moving into the telecommunications sphere. In 2008 Smith joined
Broadband Infraco as Chief Executive Officer and saw the company through to commercial
launch, after which he worked as an independent business consultant before
joining the Jasco team.
“The initial focus of Jasco Renewable Energy
will be on solar solutions at a commercial level, including rooftop, carport
and ground-based solutions. Solar represents a significant investment for
businesses, but costs are reducing and payback can now be expected within six
to eight years. We believe this is a viable solution for South African
businesses. We have begun by completing a pilot project at Jasco, which enables
us to demonstrate proof of concept to new customers. I will also be focusing on
new business development of both solar and hybrid energy solutions as well as
building our project delivery capabilities,” says Smith.
“With a mix of technical and business
experience, Smith has a diverse range of expertise that will stand him in good
stead in his new position at Jasco. His skill in electricity power system
infrastructure development will be invaluable in the development of our
renewable energy solution, and his ability to deliver strategic planning and
sound business case development will enable us to build our client base
sustainably. We are pleased to welcome Dave Smith to the team,” Paul Divall, Managing
Director, Intelligent Technologies at Jasco concludes.