By Jessie Taylor
A pioneering renewable energy platform designed to democratise access to green power for South African businesses has been launched.
Discovery Green and Sasol unveiled platform Ampli Energy, in a joint venture that marks a significant stride towards inclusive energy solutions. The platform offers a flexible, month-to-month renewable energy product that eliminates traditional barriers such as high upfront costs and long-term contracts.
A new era in South Africa’s energy sector
Historically, access to renewable energy in South Africa has been limited to large-scale energy users capable of investing in on-site installations or negotiating complex power purchase agreements (PPAs). Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-governmental organisations, and mid-sized corporations often lacked the capital and infrastructure to participate in the green energy transition.
Ampli Energy aims to bridge this gap by leveraging the national grid to deliver renewable energy through a process known as “wheeling.” This approach allows businesses to access green power without the need for additional infrastructure, enabling them to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs simultaneously.
Key features of Ampli Energy
- Flexible, month-to-month membership: Ampli Energy offers a no-fee, no-risk solution with flexible, penalty-free cancellation. Businesses can subscribe on a month-to-month basis, providing the agility to adapt to changing energy needs without long-term commitments.
- Immediate access to renewable energy: Through wheeling, Ampli Energy delivers renewable energy generated from wind and solar farms directly to businesses via the existing national grid. This model eliminates the need for on-site installations, making green energy accessible to a broader range of enterprises.
- Financial incentives: In a unique offering, Ampli Energy provides monthly cashback to businesses that switch to renewable energy through its platform. These cashbacks are deposited directly into business bank accounts, enhancing the financial appeal of transitioning to green power.
- Significant renewable energy capacity: At launch, Discovery Green and Sasol committed over 450 MWh per annum of renewable energy generation capacity to Ampli Energy, representing an investment between R1.8 billion and R2.5 billion. This capacity is delivered to businesses in tranches, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of green energy.
Empowering South African businesses
Sasol’s involvement brings over seven decades of expertise in energy production to the partnership. Notably, the Msenge Emoyeni Wind Farm in Bedford, Eastern Cape, a 69 MW project developed by the ACED-IDEAS-Reatile Consortium, serves as a primary source of renewable energy for Ampli Energy. This wind farm, one of the fastest constructed renewable energy projects in South Africa, began commercial operations in October 2024 and supplies electricity through the national grid to Sasol’s operations in Sasolburg, Free State.
Discovery Green has signed a power purchase agreement with power producer Red Rocket to unlock the second phase of the 150 MW Overberg Wind Farm, located near Swellendam in the Western Cape. This project is expected to deliver over 489 GWh annually to Ampli Energy clients upon its full commercial operation in 2027.
Ampli Energy’s innovative model has already attracted a diverse clientele, including global fast-casual dining chain Nando’s, online florist NetFlorist, automotive company Hatfield Motor Group, luggage and apparel manufacturer Sealand Gear, and NGOs such as Reach for a Dream and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
By providing accessible and affordable renewable energy solutions, Ampli Energy empowers these organisations to reduce their carbon footprints and operational costs, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient economy.
The launch of Ampli Energy signifies a strategic shift in South Africa’s energy sector, with Sasol transitioning from being a major energy consumer to an aggregator and trader of renewable electrons. This move not only accelerates the country’s energy transition but also creates opportunities for smaller customers to access green energy.
Ampli Energy represents a significant advancement in South Africa’s pursuit of a more inclusive and sustainable energy future. By removing traditional barriers to renewable energy access, this joint venture between Discovery Green and Sasol enables a broader spectrum of businesses to participate in the green economy.
As South Africa continues to navigate its energy challenges, initiatives like Ampli Energy offer a scalable and adaptable model for integrating renewable energy into the national grid, fostering economic growth, and mitigating environmental impact.
Sources: Daily Maverick | Sasol | Engineering News | Discovery Green | News24 | Business Tech
