In a significant stride toward reshaping South Africa’s decentralised energy landscape, Discovery Green in collaboration with Sasol has introduced Ampli Energy, an innovative renewable energy platform tailored for small businesses. The initiative promises to democratise access to clean power by eliminating conventional barriers such as high upfront costs, long-term contractual commitments, and infrastructure complexity.
Unlike standard renewable energy models, Ampli Energy delivers power directly through the national utility Eskom’s grid, thereby circumventing the need for on-site solar or wind installations. This approach not only ensures grid compatibility but also enhances accessibility for urban and peri-urban businesses typically excluded from private energy solutions. Furthermore, clients retain the flexibility to cancel with just 30 days’ notice—an element designed to boost uptake across diverse economic sectors.
Spearheading the initiative is Sasol’s 69MW Msenge Emoyeni wind farm, located in the Eastern Cape, which currently underpins the project’s initial capacity. Backed by a projected R2.5 billion investment, Sasol aims to expand its annual energy output to 450MWh, reinforcing its commitment to scaling clean energy infrastructure in line with national decarbonisation goals.
Participating businesses are further incentivised through monthly cashback rewards and the provision of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)—globally recognised instruments that substantiate the renewable origin of electricity used. These RECs support companies’ efforts in carbon accounting and align with broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments.
Early adopters of the scheme include well-known brands such as Nando’s and NetFlorist, as well as non-profit organisations like Reach for a Dream, signalling both commercial and philanthropic endorsement of the model.
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has endorsed the Ampli initiative, noting its critical role in diversifying South Africa’s power generation amid persistent load shedding. With state utility Eskom continuing to face reliability challenges, scalable private sector interventions such as Ampli Energy are expected to be integral to the national energy transition strategy.
This partnership underscores a broader shift towards market-based clean energy solutions that prioritise accessibility and sustainability. By directly addressing the cost and operational concerns of small and medium-sized enterprises, Ampli Energy is poised to accelerate South Africa’s clean energy adoption and contribute meaningfully to climate resilience.
For further insights into the Ampli Energy initiative, visit Discovery Green and Sasol’s Renewable Energy Portfolio.
