As the global community marks World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development on 4 March,
Aurex Constructors is celebrating more than 13 years of delivering photovoltaic (PV) plant installations. Its engineering
division was established in March 2023 to further strengthen its technical capabilities and drive sustainable
innovation in South Africa.
This year’s theme, ‘Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future Through Innovation and Digitalisation’, underscores
the importance of resilient, responsible, and forward-thinking engineering in supporting critical systems such as
infrastructure, energy, water, industry, and food production.
Proclaimed by UNESCO in 2019 and celebrated annually on 4 March, World Engineering Day recognises the vital
contribution engineers make toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The
2026 theme places sustainability and innovation firmly at the centre of global development, principles that are
deeply embedded in Aurex Constructors’ renewable operations.
Over a decade of renewable leadership
For over 13 years, Aurex Constructors has been at the forefront of South Africa’s renewable energy journey. Since its
first project in 2012, the company has installed more than 1.3 GW of clean photovoltaic (PV) power and constructed
16 solar plants, positioning itself as a trusted partner in large-scale renewable delivery.
Herman Buhrmann, Operations Director: Renewable Energy Solutions at Aurex Constructors, says the company’s
fully integrated EPC model sets it apart in an increasingly competitive market. “In our renewables division, we
engineer in-house, procure in-house, and construct with our own teams. That integrated capability gives us a
significant advantage in terms of quality control, efficiency, and interface management. When engineering and
construction sit under one roof, decisions are made faster. Problems are solved in the interest of the project, not
in isolation.”
Operating across oil and gas, chemicals, mining and metals, thermal power and renewable energy, Aurex
Constructors has strategically evolved its renewable offering to meet growing market demand. In recent years, the
company expanded into full turnkey EPC solutions in renewables, establishing a robust internal engineering
department to complement its construction expertise.
Engineering built from the ground up
Unlike providers that price projects per megawatt, Aurex Constructors develops each plant from first principles.
Every site presents unique topographical, geotechnical, and grid-connection challenges. “Although PV technology
may be similar, every plant layout is different,” explains Buhrmann. “We develop each solution from the ground up,
based on client requirements and what we believe is the best technical outcome for long-term reliability.”
Regulatory reforms, rising electricity tariffs, and the removal of generation caps have accelerated private renewable
investment in South Africa. Businesses increasingly seek long-term price certainty through power purchase
agreements (PPAs), alongside sustainability commitments and energy security.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are also transforming the landscape. “Battery storage enhances energy
stability and reliability,” notes Buhrmann. “Where conventional supply may fluctuate, renewable plants typically
commit to very high availability levels. Storage allows us to flatten generation profiles and provide greater certainty
to off-takers.”
Building the next generation of engineers
Central to Aurex Constructors’ success is its in-house engineering capability, led by Engineering Manager Natie
Odendaal. Over the past three years, the department has grown rapidly, incorporating multidisciplinary expertise
across electrical, civil, mechanical, and structural engineering.
“Renewable energy projects demand cross-disciplinary thinking,” says Odendaal. “Our engineers collaborate across
civil and electrical design to optimise land use, reduce costs, and improve constructability. We also integrate the
latest digital tools to enhance quality and efficiency.”
As climate patterns shift, engineering resilience has become essential. Increased rainfall in certain regions, for
example, has required advanced stormwater management and erosion-control designs to ensure 25- to 30-year
plant lifespans. Beyond project delivery, Aurex Constructors is committed to skills development and closing South
Africa’s engineering age gap.
“We have identified a significant gap between older and younger engineers in the market,” explains Odendaal. “Our
focus is to mentor young professionals, support professional registration, and create structured development
plans so that knowledge is transferred effectively. We are investing in engineers who will power Africa’s future.”
Buhrmann adds that opportunity and growth are key drivers for retaining talent. “People want to broaden their skill
sets and be part of something meaningful. As our projects grow in scale and complexity, so too do the opportunities
for our engineers. We believe strongly in the future of this country and in the role renewable energy will play in
that future.”
Empowering a greener tomorrow
Aurex Constructors continues to expand its footprint across South Africa, and increasingly into the broader African
market. On World Engineering Day, the company reaffirms its commitment to innovation, sustainability and
excellence in delivery. Engineering is not only about infrastructure. It is about enabling energy security, supporting
economic growth and building resilient communities for generations to come.
As the renewable sector evolves, Aurex Constructors remains dedicated to providing flexible contracting
strategies, whether as EPC contractor, sub-EPC partner or construction specialist, delivering tailored solutions that
meet the unique needs of every client.
