Decentral Energy is a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions in South Africa. We design, install, own, and maintain energy assets, catering to customers in the retail, tourism, residential, and commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors.
Founded in 2009 by Executive Directors Christian Bode and Luel Culwick, Decentral has developed and operates over 20 MW of solar PV assets in South Africa. Our team has 100 MW of active development assets nationally, having closed approximately 300 MW of power assets globally. Our diverse client base ranges from listed organisations such Spear REIT through to large privately owned companies such as Pacific Paramount Properties and One Property Holdings.
Our team
Ziaudeen is an engineer with a demonstrated background of working in the renewables C&I sector. He specialises in all technical and engineering aspects related to solar projects.
Tshepiso is an experienced solar technician with a passion for renewable energy. He brings this experience and a strong desire to make a difference within the renewable energy space to his work in the Operations and Maintenance team.
Juliet is a seasoned procurement specialist with years of experience in the solar EPC sector. She is responsible for the procurement, administration, and internal coordination of our projects.
Jason is a financed solar solutions specialist. He assists in deal-making, developing and cultivating relationships with a wide range of partners and clients.
Luel has deep energy experience and specialises in integrating the legal, technical, and financial aspects of renewable energy projects.
Allan is an electrical engineer who started life in software development. He has worked in various technical sales roles for the last ten years before joining Decentral to fulfil his passion for IoT, automation and renewable energy.
Liam has over seven years of experience within the solar industry and has specialised within the Operations and Maintenance arena of commercial and industrial rooftop solar plants, including ground mount systems.
Elekanyani’s experience in the energy sector includes petrochemical, large-scale infrastructure, refurbishment, and green field renewable energy projects. Having worked in Eskom and Aurecon, she is a technical powerhouse.
Tiaan is a town and regional planner turned business development specialist. With a keen understanding of sustainable urban development and a proven track record in driving solar initiatives, he will be leveraging his expertise in Decentral to forge strategic partnerships and help companies move towards a greener future.
Raised by environmental scientists, Erica first pursued a career in academia before joining Decentral. She brings an impressively varied skillset, a commitment to sustainability, and a passion for optimisation to her work.
Nick has worked in the enterprise development area for over 20 years and currently runs the Phakamani Impact Capital fund. Having completed thousands of transactions, he brings a wealth of experience to the team.
Naadira has over 10 years of experience as an Environmental Specialist focusing on renewable and mining-related projects. She has extensive technical knowledge in the environmental space and brings her expertise to leading large renewable projects at Decentral.
Paul has a wealth of experience in junior mining finance and operations and in investment banking, as well as a special interest in the practice and theory of business-to-business sales, all of which he brings to his work at Decentral.
Christian leads business and project development and project execution having gained significant legal and commercial experience in project implementation.
Ben is an experienced energy executive and entrepreneur in the energy and resources sectors. He has worked in strategy consulting, project development, capital raising, and investing in North America, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and MENA.
Keanu is a highly skilled and experienced solar PV engineer with expertise in design, optimisation, and analysis, specialising in solar PV and battery energy storage. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability and a profound dedication to innovation, he excels at developing customised solutions that effectively maximise efficiency.
Pieter has a strong technical background in the design and implementation of solar PV projects. He enjoys solving engineering problems and optimising systems and processes. His keen eye for detail ensures high-quality system design and implementation.
Ale’s background is as a legal consultant, providing advice in corporate and commercial law, and drafting and negotiating agreements. He brings his expertise to the development and administration of projects.