About Us
Who We Are
A global team of engineers, builders, and operators committed to forging the future of energy
SADE Projects (SADE) is a collaboration between four leading companies in the industry: Sirius Engineers, Alamo Projects, Dornier Power and Heat, and Essenssys. This alliance brings together a blend of global expertise and deep local insights, specifically tailored to address the challenges and opportunities in South Africa’s energy sector. Our primary focus is on enhancing and modernizing the Medupi Power Station through the implementation of advanced Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems.
SADE as Owners Engineer
As the Owner’s Engineer, SADE is at the forefront of engineering innovation, providing effective solutions that are specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of South Africa’s power infrastructure. Our consortium is strategically structured to combine best practices from around the world with the abundance of local knowledge and skills within South Africa. This approach ensures not only the successful delivery of projects but also the enhancement of local capabilities, fostering long-term growth and sustainability within the region’s energy sector.
SADE’s role as an Owner’s Engineer extends beyond mere oversight. We actively engage in every phase of the project lifecycle, from initial planning through to final execution, ensuring that all aspects of the project meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. Our commitment to environmental compliance and operational efficiency drives our approach, as we work closely with Eskom and other stakeholders to address South Africa’s energy challenges and contribute to a sustainable power generation future.
SADE as Competent Project Management Group
In addition to our engineering prowess, SADE is recognized as a highly competent project management group, with extensive experience in managing large-scale, complex projects across the globe. Our partners’ collective experience spans decades and includes the successful completion of numerous significant infrastructure projects, ranging from power generation facilities to waste-to-energy plants and industrial developments. SADE’s project management capabilities are built on a foundation of meticulous planning, robust execution, and careful monitoring. We employ advanced project management methodologies and tools to ensure that all phases of a project are executed with precision. From navigating regulatory landscapes and managing risks to coordinating multiple stakeholders and ensuring transparent communication, SADE excels in delivering projects that not only meet but often exceed client expectations.
Leaving Our Mark
SADEs Role in South Africa’s Energy Future
As a newly established yet highly experienced consortium, SADE stands ready to lead the modernization of the Medupi Power Station and other key energy projects across South Africa. Our deep understanding of local conditions, combined with our extensive global experience, positions us uniquely to deliver projects that are not only technically sound but also aligned with South Africa’s broader socio-economic goals.
Our partnership with South African stakeholders is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the future. By working closely with local communities, government agencies, and industry leaders, SADE is committed to contributing to the sustainable development of South Africa’s energy infrastructure. Together, we can ensure that the country’s energy needs are met in a way that is environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially beneficial.
In summary, SADE Projects is your reliable partner for engineering and project management in South Africa. We bring together the best of global expertise and local knowledge to deliver solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and tailored to the unique needs of South Africa’s energy sector. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our extensive experience and deep local insights, makes SADE the ideal choice for Eskom and other stakeholders looking to navigate the complexities of South Africa’s energy landscape.
Our Executive Team
A collective of seasoned experts driving our commitment to engineering excellence.
This team is composed of seasoned professionals with deep technical, operational, and contracting backgrounds, each bringing a wealth of experience in managing large-scale, complex projects. The Executive Team is responsible for Project Execution, Technical Oversight, Operational Management, Contract Management.
ALICE SWEENEY
CEO
As Chief Executive Officer of SADE Projects, Alice Sweeney is a distinguished South African business leader steering the company toward sustained growth and innovation. Her leadership is defined by a blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and a dedication to empowering the next generation of South African professionals.
After earning a National Diploma in Management Services from the University of Johannesburg in 2008, Alice began her career in the energy sector. She held key positions at Eskom Enterprises and Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Africa, primarily at the Medupi Power Plant, which were crucial in honing her expertise for coordinating complex, high-stakes projects.
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, she founded Alamo Projects (Pty) Ltd., establishing it as a leader in project management and engineering, known for its focus on safety, quality, and the successful closeout of the Medupi Power Station.
Now at SADE, Alice leverages this extensive experience to set the company’s strategic direction, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation while harnessing South Africa's human capital to drive growth in the vital energy sector.
FRANK SWEENEY
COO
As Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SADE Projects, Frank Sweeney is a seasoned chartered mechanical engineer with nearly 40 years of experience delivering multi-billion-dollar power projects across five continents. His expertise covers the full spectrum of EPC management in coal-fired, combined cycle, biomass, and waste-to-energy plants.
A graduate of Brunel University (MSc) and University College Dublin (BEng), Frank began his career with Babcock Power. He has held numerous leadership positions globally, most notably as Project Director for Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems at the Medupi Power Station, where he managed the construction of one of the world's largest coal-fired power stations and achieved 11 million man-hours without a lost time injury. He later served as a Project Director in the UK for a biomass power plant and acted as an independent consultant and technical expert witness.
In his current role as COO, Frank oversees all operational aspects of SADE Projects, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. His vast experience in navigating complex technical and contractual challenges is instrumental in maintaining SADE's reputation as a leader in the energy sector and in mentoring future engineering leaders.
DIETMAR BREUER
CTO
As Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of SADE Projects, Dietmar Breuer is a skilled process engineer with over 36 years of experience in the international energy sector. He has held pivotal EPC roles in major power plants across Germany, Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Turkey, India, and South Africa.
After earning his engineering degree in Cologne, his career progressed through significant technical and leadership roles. He managed waste-to-energy and desulfurization projects in Taiwan and later oversaw the development of major independent power producer (IPP) projects in Southeast Asia with STEAG, including the Mindanao Coal IPP.
Between 2014 and 2018, Dietmar's expertise was crucial in his role as a change manager for Mitsubishi Power at South Africa’s Kusile and Medupi power stations, where he addressed critical technical and quality challenges. Since 2019, he has focused on consultancy for risk mitigation and operational excellence.
In his role as CTO, Dietmar leverages this vast experience to guide SADE in delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions. He is recognized for resolving complex technical issues in high-pressure environments and is committed to fostering technical excellence and elevating the skills of local teams in South Africa.
WILLEM ROOS
CFO
As Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SADE Projects, Willem Roos brings over 25 years of experience in project management, financial management, and strategic planning within the global energy sector. His career is marked by his ability to navigate the complex financial landscapes of large-scale infrastructure projects across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
Holding a BSc in Industrial Engineering and Energy from TU Amsterdam, complemented by advanced management training from INSEAD, Willem possesses a unique ability to bridge the gap between engineering and finance. His career began at ABB Power Generation and includes pivotal financial oversight roles at prominent companies like Doosan Power, Babcock & Wilcox, and Mitsubishi, where he managed multi-billion-dollar projects. He is highly skilled in the financial structuring of complex projects, risk management, and budget optimization.
In his current role as CFO, Willem oversees all financial, contracting, and legal aspects of SADE's operations. A key responsibility is managing the financial and commercial success of the Medupi FGD Retrofit Project, a critical initiative for South Africa’s energy infrastructure. His strategic oversight is crucial in ensuring projects remain on track, both financially and operationally.