About us
First movers in wind energy in South Africa.
First movers in wind energy in South Africa.
A passionate champion of renewable green energy, Francois Roux’s mission, as the fifth-generation landowner of Noblesfontein – his family’s farm in the Karoo – was to generate renewable green energy on the farm. In 2007, he set about steeping himself in everything he needed to know about building a wind farm that would generate and feed renewable energy into the national grid, as well as play a role in the upliftment of Noblesfontein’s surrounding communities. Foremost in his mind was always the social and economic empowerment of the people with whom he grew up.
In 2008, Francois founded South Africa Renewable Green Energy (SARGE), a pioneer player able to partner with local and international players through developing, constructing and operating wind projects. He gained valuable experience in prospecting wind projects in Europe, as well as providing feasibility studies and due diligences for existing projects. In 2011, Francois entered into a joint venture with Spanish corporation Gestamp Wind with the aim of developing a portfolio of wind projects on a 50-50 basis. This was the year that Noblesfontein Wind Farm was successful in being awarded a first round Power Purchase Agreement by the Department of Energy. Francois’s vision was realised when the plant went into production in July 2014.
A first mover in the renewable energy sector in South Africa, Francois’ unflagging passion for developing green energy led to him building extensive knowledge and experience in the field. From forming global partnerships and bringing the best first-world expertise and mechanisms into South Africa, to having the know-how to determine the best locations for wind turbines, and developing projects or selling on wind farm opportunities, Francois was at the forefront and has had a substantial and lasting impact on the development of wind energy in South Africa.
A passionate champion of renewable green energy, Francois Roux’s mission, as the fifth-generation landowner of Noblesfontein – his family’s farm in the Karoo – was to generate renewable green energy on the farm. In 2007, he set about steeping himself in everything he needed to know about building a wind farm that would generate and feed renewable energy into the national grid, as well as play a role in the upliftment of Noblesfontein’s surrounding communities. Foremost in his mind was always the social and economic empowerment of the people with whom he grew up.
In 2008, Francois founded South Africa Renewable Green Energy (SARGE), a pioneer player able to partner with local and international players through developing, constructing and operating wind projects. He gained valuable experience in prospecting wind projects in Europe, as well as providing feasibility studies and due diligences for existing projects. In 2011, Francois entered into a joint venture with Spanish corporation Gestamp Wind with the aim of developing a portfolio of wind projects on a 50-50 basis. This was the year that Noblesfontein Wind Farm was successful in being awarded a first round Power Purchase Agreement by the Department of Energy. Francois’s vision was realised when the plant went into production in July 2014.
A first mover in the renewable energy sector in South Africa, Francois’ unflagging passion for developing green energy led to him building extensive knowledge and experience in the field. From forming global partnerships and bringing the best first-world expertise and mechanisms into South Africa, to having the know-how to determine the best locations for wind turbines, and developing projects or selling on wind farm opportunities, Francois was at the forefront and has had a substantial and lasting impact on the development of wind energy in South Africa.
The Make A Difference Leadership Foundation (MAD) was first envisioned in 2003, over lunch. The conversation between Springbok rugby legend, Francois Pienaar, and a group of his friends had turned to South Africa and how they all wanted to play a meaningful part in building a bright future for their country. Today, over a decade later, The MAD Foundation has empowered numerous future leaders of South Africa, unleashing academically talented scholars’ potential through a comprehensive scholarship programme. This programme provides exceptional leadership development opportunities through education and mentorship. In conjunction with The MAD Foundation, Noblesfontein supports a number of scholars who benefit from MAD’s scholarship funding.