Biomass Energy Project Developer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus tied to project success

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks an experienced Biomass Energy Project Developer to identify and advance new biomass power opportunities in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

The role covers site assessment, feasibility, permits, financing, and stakeholder relations; requires 5–7 years in project development and strong biomass technology knowledge.

Travel within the region is expected; role involves collaboration with engineering, construction, and operations teams and provides growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in project development, preferably in renewable energy or waste management
• Biomass project development experience, including feedstock sourcing, conversion technologies, and project economics
• Strong understanding of South Africa's energy market, regulatory environment, and permitting processes
• Excellent financial modeling, negotiation, and contract management skills
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for biomass power projects based on resource availability and logistics.
• Conduct detailed feasibility studies, including technical, economic, and environmental assessments.
• Develop project plans, budgets, and timelines for biomass energy projects.
• Secure necessary permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals.
• Lead negotiations for power purchase agreements (PPAs) and feedstock supply agreements.
• Engage with investors and financial institutions to secure project financing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Manage project execution in collaboration with engineering, construction, and operations teams.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and market trends in the biomass energy sector.

Skills

Biomass project development

Financial modeling

Negotiation

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's degree advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent developer of sustainable energy projects, focusing on utilizing biomass resources for power generation. We are seeking an experienced Biomass Energy Project Developer to identify, evaluate, and advance new project opportunities in the **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga** region. This role involves the entire project lifecycle, from initial site assessment and feasibility studies to securing permits, financing, and managing stakeholder relations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project development, a thorough understanding of biomass technologies, and proven experience in navigating the regulatory and commercial landscape of the energy sector in **South Africa**. Join our team and contribute to the growth of renewable energy in a vital economic region.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for biomass power projects based on resource availability and logistics.
• Conduct detailed feasibility studies, including technical, economic, and environmental assessments.
• Develop project plans, budgets, and timelines for biomass energy projects.
• Secure necessary permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals.
• Lead negotiations for power purchase agreements (PPAs) and feedstock supply agreements.
• Engage with investors and financial institutions to secure project financing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Manage project execution in collaboration with engineering, construction, and operations teams.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and market trends in the biomass energy sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental) or a related field; a Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in project development, preferably in the renewable energy or waste management sector.
• Specific experience in biomass project development, including understanding of feedstock sourcing, conversion technologies, and project economics.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing energy projects from concept to financial close.
• Strong understanding of **South Africa**'s energy market, regulatory environment, and permitting processes.
• Excellent financial modeling, negotiation, and contract management skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel within the region and potentially internationally.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and diverse stakeholder groups.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive bonus structure tied to project success.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement within a growing company.
• Work on impactful projects contributing to energy diversification and sustainability in **Mpumalanga**.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.