Breaking Ground Case Study

Case Study 4: Structuring Governance for a Multinational Project Partnership

renewable energy

Developing an Operational Model for a Large-Scale Energy Project

Background

A European renewable energy developer partnered with a South African infrastructure firm to construct a renewable energy facility. Despite both companies’ strong technical expertise, differences in governance structures, decision-making processes, and risk management protocols caused delays in project execution.

Challenges

  • Conflicting governance models between the multinational firm and local contractors.
  • Delays in decision-making due to misalignment on authority levels and approval processes.
  • Inefficiencies in project execution resulting from a lack of standardised workflows.

Breaking Ground Solution

  • Designed a Unified Governance Model, integrating international best practices with South African regulatory requirements.
  • Implemented a Decision-Making Framework, clearly outlining approval hierarchies, escalation protocols, and inter-partner coordination.
  • Conducted Partner Alignment Workshops, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between local and international teams.

Outcome

  • Project approvals accelerated by 30%, reducing construction delays.
  • Increased efficiency in project coordination, minimising miscommunication and redundant processes.
  • Established a governance template applicable to future multinational projects in South Africa.