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Ampli Energy by Discovery Green and Sasol unlocks renewable energy access for SA businesses
With no fees, no risks and no hassles, Ampli Energy, a market-first renewable energy product from Discovery Green in partnership with Sasol, represents a sea change in South Africa's energy market.
In a groundbreaking move set to reshape South Africa's energy landscape, Discovery Green, in partnership with global energy player Sasol, has launched Ampli Energy - a market-first month-to-month renewable energy product
Ampli Energy redefines how businesses of all sizes, from corporates to SMMEs and NGOs, access green energy. With no capital outlay, infrastructure requirements or long-term contracts, businesses can significantly cut carbon emissions without the usual barriers. Businesses get monthly cashbacks and can cancel at any time, with no penalties. It's renewable energy with no fees, no risks, no hassles - just monthly savings and simpler sustainability.
Wheeling for the win
Central to the Ampli Energy solution is renewable energy wheeling, which allows electricity generated at remote wind and solar farms to be delivered to businesses through the national grid. This mechanism gives businesses access to South Africa's best wind and solar resources, without needed to invest in infrastructure. By leveraging virtual wheeling, Ampli Energy removes the complexity and delays traditionally associated with renewable energy adoption. The result is a seamless, scalable transition to clean energy for businesses of all sizes.
"Ampli Energy builds on the innovative wheeling platform of Discovery Green to further unlock access to renewable energy for businesses that need it most - from corporates to SMMEs and NGOs, that have historically been excluded from South Africa's energy market due to their size, allowing them also to reap the financial and environmental benefits of decarbonising their operations," said Andre Nepgen, Head of Discovery Green. "These businesses cannot commit to long-term purchasing agreements, so month-to-month flexibility is critical."
Adrian Gore, Discovery Group Chief Executive, added: "The launch of Ampli Energy is a powerful combination of Discovery Green's wheeling expertise and Sasol's experience as a global energy leader and trailblazer in South Africa's renewable energy industry. The partnership demonstrates how innovation can enable inclusivity and, in doing so, benefit businesses, the economy and the environment.
"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. It affirms our belief that renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative, but a catalyst for economic growth, particularly for small businesses. By reducing energy costs and fostering innovation, it empowers these enterprises to thrive, creating jobs and stimulating local economies across South Africa."
Early adopters
Discovery Green and Sasol have committed over 150MW of renewable energy generation capacity - a R4 billion investment - to Ampli Energy which will be delivered to businesses in tranches. The first tranche is fully subscribed, with businesses, including Nando's, NetFlorist, Vida e Caffè, Hatfield Motor Group and Sealand Gear, and several NGOs like the Nelson Mandela's Children's Hospital, signing up, drawn by the simplicity of the model and environmental impact.
Michael Cathie, CEO of global restaurant brand Nando's said: "The Ampli Energy approach makes renewable energy accessible and scalable. Switching to Ampli will allow us to reduce our carbon emissions by up to 50% in the first year, with incredible gains thereafter until 2030. The power of that is that we can accomplish this without compromising our bottom line."
Peter Raschel, Group Operations Director of Pegasus Group that operates selected Sasol garages across the country, said: "Wheeling renewable energy is the best approach, but we're not a big enough business to explore it in the way that large corporates can. Working with Ampli has been great. The sign-up process was very easy, and financially, it really is money for nothing with monthly cashbacks from renewable energy credits. For us, Ampli was a no-brainer."
These clients will receive power from Sasol's 69MW Msenge Emoyeni wind farm in the Eastern Cape - South Africa's first wind facility to connect to the national grid supplying energy to a private business.
Speaking at the launch of Ampli, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa paid tribute to the spirit of the collaboration, saying it "illustrates what can be achieved when two of South Africa's marquee brands come together". According to Ramokgopa, this democratisation of energy access is poised to unlock significant economic and environmental benefits for the entire nation. While Ampli Energy deals with the business landscape, it also provides additional impetus for government initiatives that target the delivery of green energy to underprivileged communities.
New renewable energy era
As South Africa stands on the brink of a new energy era, Ampli Energy represents a significant step toward realising the immense transformative potential of renewables. It is an invitation to businesses across the nation to embrace sustainability and innovation, paving the way for a greener, more prosperous future. But it is not just about providing energy solutions; it is about fostering an environment where businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on the planet.
The Discovery Green and Sasol collaboration signals a seismic shift in how energy is perceived and utilised in South Africa, and a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and innovation, offering a blueprint for other projects to follow.