By Larry Claasen
DISCOVERY Green, a Discovery company, and global energy firm Sasol, launched a wheeling renewable energy product for small and medium size businesses.
Ampli Energy, a first-of-its-kind monthly renewable energy subscription platform is designed to give South African businesses immediate access to grid-delivered green power with no upfront costs or long-term commitments.
The platform allows businesses of all sizes to replace a significant portion of their grid electricity consumption with renewable energy sourced from wind and solar farms via the national grid – a process known as wheeling.
Key features include guaranteed monthly savings paid as cashback, no installation requirements, and penalty-free cancellation with 30 days’ notice.
The product directly addresses barriers that have historically locked smaller businesses out of the renewable energy market. “While [renewable energy] has been beneficial, many businesses lack the capital and land space for on-site installations to meet most of their electricity consumption needs,” said Andre Nepgen, head of Discovery Green.
He explained that traditional wheeling required complex, long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) only feasible for large energy users like mines.
“Through simple, month-to-month membership, any business anywhere in the country can now replace the majority of its electricity with renewable energy… reducing carbon emissions without upfront capital requirements, installations or long-term contracts.”
He emphasized the critical need for flexibility: “These businesses cannot commit to long-term purchasing agreements, so month-to-month flexibility is critical.”
The partners have committed over 450MWh per annum of renewable energy generation capacity – representing a R1,8-billion to R2,5-billion investment – to Ampli Energy, to be delivered in tranches. The first tranche is already fully subscribed. Initial clients include Nando’s, NetFlorist, Hatfield Motors, Sealand Gear, selected Sasol Garages, Reach for a Dream, and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
For Sasol, Ampli marks a strategic evolution. “The launch of Ampli marks a strategic shift where Sasol moves beyond being a major energy consumer to an aggregator and trader of renewable electrons,” said Sarushen Pillay, executive vice president of Sasol’s Business Building, Strategy and Technology. Pillay highlighted Sasol’s deep energy experience: “As Sasol, we bring a massive anchor demand for green electrons… and we have deep experience as the largest private generator and user of electricity in South Africa… we have been buying and selling electricity for decades.”
Sasol president and CEO Simon Baloyi framed Ampli as foundational for broader renewable growth.
“Through Ampli Energy, businesses that previously lacked the capital or capacity… can now access clean energy through wheeling arrangements. This is how we grow South Africa’s renewable capacity from the ground up… by making green electrons available to more users.” He added, “With significant shovel-ready renewable energy projects across the country, we have a real opportunity to unlock large-scale generation.”
Discovery Group CEO Adrian Gore positioned the partnership as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.
“The potential for job creation and direct capital investment that could be unlocked by enabling renewable energy wheeling for small and medium-sized businesses is astounding… By reducing energy costs and fostering innovation, it empowers these enterprises to thrive, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.”
Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa endorsed the model.
“Ampli Energy is revolutionary. It represents a sea change in green energy… We must ensure we unshackle the potential of the economy by addressing energy security, democratising access to green electrons and achieving environmental sustainability.”
