Alessandra Pardini

Alessandra Pardini

Partner

Email

alessandra.pardini@aoshearman.com

Phone

+27 10 597 9864

Offices

Johannesburg

V-CARD
Alessandra specialises in project development for project finance transactions in the energy and infrastructure sector.

She has substantial experience in structuring the commercial agreements for such transactions as well as drafting and negotiating the operational arrangements, in particular, in respect of various international form engineering, procurement and construction contracts, operation and maintenance contracts, power purchase agreements and bespoke public private partnership arrangements. Alessandra also has expertise in equity and debt financing a well as mergers and acquisitions transactions in the mining and resources sectors.

Alessandra has co-authored various articles, focused on decarbonisation and finding energy solutions for the mining sector. She is a regular lecturer and facilitator on all forms of construction contracts for clients, industry bodies and academic institutions. 
 
Her expertise has been recognized by various international research organizations including Chambers Global, Legal 500, IFLR1000, Best Lawyers and Who's Who Legal. She is also a leading lawyer in the IFLR1000 Women Leaders Guide 2023.

Experience

Representative matters

  • Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) on its investment in the first green bond listed in Zambia and one of the first in Africa.
  • Rand Merchant Bank (a division of FirstRand Bank Limited) as lead arranger and original lender on the 240MW Virginia Solar PV transaction, a preferred bidder in Round 6 of South Africa’s REIPPPP programme.
  • the Lenders (Rand Merchant Bank (a division of FirstRand Bank Limited) and Absa Bank Limited) in respect of the 97.5MW solar PV project developed by Mainstream for the Sasol SA Limited and Air Liquide private procurement.
  • Enel Green Power on their development of the 330MWs of wind energy for Sasol and Air Liquide. This project is one of the largest wind powered wheeling facilities in Africa.
  • Tronox Mineral Sands on the procurement of a 200MW wheeled solar PV facility and a 100MW wheeled wind facility.

Published Work

  • Alessandra Pardini (2024) “What new electricity bill means for South Africa”, South Africa, TechCentral
  • Gerhard Rudolph, Alessandra Pardini (2024) “Africa’s critical minerals are key to the global net zero transition”, South Africa, A&O Article
  • Alessandra Pardini, Alexandra Cluver, Alexandra Felekis (2023) “Renewable developments in Southern Africa”, South Africa, PFI
  • Alessandra Pardini (2023) “Seven thoughts on kickstarting offshore wind in South Africa”, South Africa, A&O Article
  • Alexandra Cluver, Alessandra Pardini, Mark Walker, Christopher Andrew, Alexandra Felekis (2023) “Deregulating South Africa’s electricity market – where to start and where to next?”, South Africa, Daily Maverick
  • Alessandra Pardini, Alexandra Cluver, Benjamin Mbana, Alexandra Felekis (2023) “Government must enable private sector to solve energy crisis”, South Africa, A&O Article
  • B Spargo, A Pardini & G Rapson. (2017) “Captive power a solution for uncertain closure and rehabilitation costs?” South Africa: Euromoney LMG Expert Guides
  • A Pardini, M Lengane, G Rapson, K Collier & M Spalding. (2016) “Captive Power: An Energy Solution for the Mining Sector?” South Africa: Mining Review Africa

Speaking Engagements

  • Alessandra Pardini (2024) “Potential of offshore wind energy for SA”, South Africa, Podcast on Cape Talk
  • Alessandra Pardini (2024) “Restore the Power Grid | Bureaucratic Winds Block Alternate Energy Generation”, South Africa,Video Interview, eNCA
  • Alessandra Pardini (2023) "Offshore wind in South Africa - Hope or wishful thinking?" Webinar

Recognition

“Alessandra is a very dedicated legal professional who works tirelessly to deliver a high quality of service and also develops a deep understanding of her client's business, able to provide them with value-adding opportunities." "She is known to have very good technical skills and ability to support clients”
Chambers and Partners Global 2023 (South Africa: Construction (Band 3))
“Alessandra is cooperative, constructive yet pragmatic and a good team leader”
Chambers and Partners Global 2022 (South Africa: Construction (Band 3))

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted as an Attorney, South Africa, 2008

Academic

Certificate in Advanced Company Law I & II (cum laude), University of Witwatersrand, 2009

Certificate in Competition Law, University of the Witwatersrand, 2007

LLB, University of Cape Town, 2005

BA, University of Cape Town, 2003

Languages

English, Afrikaans
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.