It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Steve Clark, who died in August 2025 after battling heart complications. Steve leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning nearly five decades in international energy development and groundbreaking research in renewable energy transition.

Education and Early Career

Born in California, Steve earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley in 1976, followed immediately by an MS in Petroleum Engineering from Stanford University in 1977. Upon graduation, hordinary international career in oil and gas development.

International Energy Career (1977-2016)

Steve spent nearly four decades developing energy projects across five continents. His career began at Phillips Petroleum Company in Louisiana and progressed through increasingly senior roles across the USA, Europe, South America, Asia, and extensively throughout Africa, including Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Angola, and Mozambique.

From 2004 to 2016, he held senior positions with Eni, culminating as Mozambique Project Interface Manager, where he was instrumental in developing one of Africa’s most significant natural gas discoveries. After nearly 40 years in international energy, Steve retired in 2016.

Academic Excellence at Stellenbosch (2017-2025)

Rather than settling into retirement, Steve entered Stellenbosch University in 2017 to pursue doctoral research with the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group. At age 64, he earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering in December 2020, focusing on natural gas’s role in South Africa’s renewable energy transition.

Research Impact

Steve’s unique combination of four decades of practical energy experience and rigorous academic research produced groundbreaking work on South Africa’s energy transition. His research demonstrated that switching power plants from diesel to liquefied petroleum gas could save billions of rand annually while supporting renewable energy integration.

His major publications in the Journal of Energy in Southern Africa directly informed South African energy policy, particularly regarding how natural gas could serve as a bridge fuel supporting the transition to renewable energy.

Personal Legacy

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Patrizia, and daughter, Courtney, and family.

Despite his impressive international career and academic achievements, Steve was remarkably humble and personable. He was always game for research group socials and genuinely enjoyed chatting about interesting topics and sharing his vast experiences with colleagues and students alike. He became very much a valued part of the Stellenbosch research community.

Colleagues and students remember Steve for his patience and passion for mentoring young engineering researchers. He was known for his direct, no-nonsense approach – including his willingness to tell students when they were producing “nonsense.” This honest feedback, delivered with care, helped shape a generation of engineers who valued clarity and practical relevance in their work.

A Unique Life Journey

Steve’s extraordinary path – from California student to global energy executive to renewable energy researcher – exemplifies a life dedicated to advancing energy systems worldwide. His decision to start an entirely new academic career at age 62 demonstrated the intellectual curiosity and commitment to service that defined his entire life.

His work bridged the gap between academic theory and real-world implementation, bringing irreplaceable practical insights to South Africa’s energy challenges. The frameworks he developed continue to guide the country’s path toward sustainable energy independence.

Steve’s remarkable journey from the oil fields of four continents to the lecture halls of Stellenbosch University represents a unique contribution to both global energy development and South Africa’s sustainable future. His legacy lives on through his scholarly contributions to energy research and his dedicated teaching and mentoring of the next generation of engineers.

Services and arrangements:

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 7th at 2:00 PM at the family home (23 Rue Montpellier, Somerset). Food and drinks will be provided.

For more information, please contact:

• Courtney: +1 (281) 658-6709
• Patrizia: 079 790 6767