Karel J Jooste

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Karel J Jooste

Chief Operations Officer:

Leads groundbreaking initiatives aimed at shaping a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Karel J Jooste

Karel Jooste, a seasoned professional at the forefront of renewable energy and infrastructure development. With a wealth of experience spanning over a decade, Karel has dedicated his career to driving impactful change in Southern Africa's energy landscape. Currently serving as the Director of Project Development at MarketVest, Karel leads groundbreaking initiatives aimed at shaping a sustainable and climate-resilient future. His expertise extends across various domains, including business development, sales, legal documentation, and negotiation, making him a versatile leader in the renewable energy sector.

Throughout his career, Karel has held key roles in notable organizations such as SUNfarming South Africa Pty Ltd and Solar Training Center, where he honed his skills in project management and client relations. His commitment to empowering communities through renewable energy solutions is evident in his work, from spearheading the implementation of Africa's largest AgriVoltaic plant to advocating for sustainable practices in solar energy projects. Karel's dedication to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development underscores his mission to create a brighter, greener future for generations to come.

Professional Skills

Karel Jooste is a seasoned professional with a comprehensive skill set that spans business development, sales, legal document preparation, and negotiation in the renewable energy sector. His proficiency extends to engineering contracts and power purchase agreements, reflecting a deep understanding of the legal intricacies within the industry. Karel's leadership roles as Chief Operating Officer at SUNfarming South Africa Pty Ltd and Director at Solar Training Center attest to his adeptness in managing teams, fostering client relations, and overseeing solar energy projects. His legal background, exemplified during his tenure as Legal Counsel for International Projects at Sunfarming GmbH, underscores his capacity to navigate complex legal landscapes in the pursuit of sustainable and impactful renewable energy initiatives.

Experience

Karel Jooste brings over a decade of diverse and impactful experience to the realm of renewable energy and infrastructure development. As the current Director of Project Development at MarketVest, Karel is instrumental in steering the company's initiatives towards a sustainable and resilient future. His journey in the sector began at SUNfarming South Africa Pty Ltd, where he served as the Chief Operating Officer for three years, leading the implementation of innovative projects, including the largest AgriVoltaic plant in Africa. Karel's visionary leadership continued as he took on roles such as Director at SUNfarming Kenya Limited and Director at Solar Training Center, showcasing his commitment to advancing solar energy and empowering local communities.

In addition to his hands-on experience, Karel's legal acumen, honed during his tenure as Legal Counsel for International Projects at Sunfarming GmbH, adds a unique dimension to his expertise. He has seamlessly blended his legal prowess with business development, negotiating power purchase agreements and engineering contracts. With a track record of success in various leadership positions and a passion for sustainable development, Karel Jooste stands as a driving force in propelling Southern Africa towards a greener and more energy-efficient future.

  • Botswana BUAN launches history-making energy project
  • Germany setting up companies and drafting agreements as legal counsel for international projects 
  • Kenya former director of SUNfarming Kenya Ltd and solar project developments
  • Mauritius co-founder and former director of SUNfarming Africa Holdings Ltd
  • South Africa launch of the first Solar Training Centre (SUNCybernetics)
  • South Africa built the first Agrivoltaic (Food & Energy) research facility at the North-West University Potcehfstroom
  • Zambia utility scale solar plant development
  • Zimbabwe solar project developments for the mining industry