Discovery Green, a subsidiary of Discovery Limited, in partnership with global energy leader Sasol, has launched Ampli Energy—a market-first, month-to-month renewable energy platform designed to democratise access to clean power for businesses of all sizes.
“This is a no-fee, no-risk, no-hassle solution for businesses looking to cut emissions and electricity costs,” said Discovery Green head Andre Nepgen.
“Ampli Energy is designed to democratise access for all businesses that might not have been able to access renewable energy before—given the complexity, the costs, the duration of the commitment.”
The platform enables businesses to purchase renewable energy through their existing municipal or Eskom electricity connections using a model known as wheeling.
According to Eskom, wheeling is the delivery of energy from a generator to an end-user located in another area through the use of an existing distribution or transmission network.
The platform removes traditional barriers such as infrastructure investments or long-term contracts. Companies can cancel anytime with a 30-day notice while also receiving monthly cash-back rewards for using renewable energy.
Nepgen said while renewable energy has typically been reserved for large-scale users like mines and heavy industry, Ampli Energy focused on businesses that were previously excluded.
The electricity is sourced from wind and solar farms already connected to the national grid, including the recently completed Msenge Emoyeni Wind Farm in the Eastern Cape.
The farm supplies renewable energy to Sasolburg operations and is part of Sasol’s broader commitment to clean power development.
Together, Discovery Green and Sasol have committed over 450MWh per annum of renewable energy generation capacity to Ampli Energy, representing a capital investment of between R1.8 billion and R2.5 billion.
Sasol’s business building, strategy and technology executive vice president Sarushen Pillay described the launch as a strategic evolution.
“This is a win for the country because it not only accelerates the energy transition, but creates access for smaller customers to green electrons,” he said.
“South Africa is blessed with some of the world’s finest wind and solar resources. We’re unlocking that potential for a broader base of users.”
The first tranche of Ampli’s renewable energy is fully subscribed, with companies like Nando’s, NetFlorist, Hatfield Motors, Sealand Gear, several Sasol garages and NGOs including Reach for a Dream and Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital already on board.
Sasol CEO Simon Baloyi said Ampli Energy marked a shift in how green electricity reached the market.
“Through Ampli Energy, businesses that previously lacked the capital or capacity to invest in renewable infrastructure can now access clean energy through wheeling arrangements,” said Baloyi.
“This is how we grow South Africa’s renewable capacity from the ground up—by making green electrons available to more users and by supporting the creation of a flexible, scalable renewable power market.”
