Renewable Energy Solution for Small and Medium Enterprises Unveiled by Discovery Green and Sasol through Wheeling Program
By RoLo
Embrace the green revolution, South African businesses! DISCOVERY Green, alongside global heavyweight Sasol, have introduced a trailblazing energy product for SMEs – Ampli Energy. This new, monthly renewable energy subscription service offers businesses immediate access to grid-delivered clean power without hefty upfront costs or lengthy contractual obligations.
Ampli Energy is a game-changer, supplying businesses of all sizes with an opportunity to swap a large chunk of their grid electricity consumption with renewable energy sourced from wind and solar farms via the national grid – a process dubbed as wheeling. Reaping the benefits of going green has been challenging for many businesses due to the capital and land constraints for on-site installations, but now, you can skip those obstacles with Ampli Energy!
Andre Nepgen, head of Discovery Green, explained the historical barriers that have kept SMEs out of the renewable energy market: "While renewable energy has been beneficial for many, it's been hard for businesses to purchase renewable energy directly due to the need for upfront capital and land."
Traditional wheeling required complex, long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) only feasible for large energy users like mines. However, Ampli Energy simplifies this by offering a straightforward, month-to-month membership model. "Any business, anywhere in the country can now replace the majority of its electricity consumption with renewable energy, regardless of upfront capital requirements, installations, or long-term contracts," added Nepgen.
Flexibility is the name of the game, and Ampli Energy is committed to meeting the needs of businesses that can't commit to long-term purchasing agreements. Key benefits include guaranteed monthly savings paid as cashback, zero installation demands, and penalty-free cancellation on 30 days' notice.
Ampli Energy's partners have earmarked over 450MWh per annum of renewable energy generation capacity, representing a hefty R1,8-billion to R2,5-billion investment. Initial clients include household names like Nando's, NetFlorist, and select Sasol garages, alongside social causes such as Reach for a Dream and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
For Sasol, Ampli Energy marks a strategic evolution. Sarushen Pillay, executive vice president of Sasol's Business Building, Strategy and Technology, said, "Ampli enables Sasol to move beyond being a sizable energy consumer to an aggregator and trader of renewable electrons." Pillay further highlighted Sasol's deep energy expertise: "As Sasol, we bring massive anchor demand for green electrons, along with decades of experience as the largest private generator and user of electricity in South Africa."
Ampli Energy serves as a foundation for broader renewable growth, according to Sasol President and CEO Simon Baloyi. "Through Ampli, businesses that previously lacked the capital or capacity to access clean energy can now tap into the power of renewable energy via wheeling arrangements. This is our chance to increase South Africa's renewable capacity from the ground up – by connecting more users with green electrons."
Adrian Gore, CEO of Discovery Group, sees Ampli as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. "The potential for job creation, capital investment, and economic empowerment that Ampli unlocks for SMEs is colossal. By lowering energy costs and fostering innovation, Ampli helps these enterprises thrive, creating jobs and invigorating local economies."
Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa applauded the initiative: "Ampli Energy is revolutionary and constitutes a change in the green energy landscape. We need to ensure we unleash the economic potential by guaranteeing energy security, democratizing access to renewable energy, and achieving environmental sustainability."
Subscribe to Ampli Energy and join the green revolution today, South African businesses! Let's pave the way for sustainable, economic growth together.
- Businesses can now effortlessly incorporate sustainability into their operations with Ampli Energy, a renewable energy subscription service that provides immediate access to clean power without requiring a large upfront investment or long-term contracts.
- By employing a straightforward membership model, Ampli Energy offers businesses of all sizes an opportunity to swap a significant portion of their grid electricity consumption with renewable energy sourced from wind and solar farms, fulfilling the need for a more affordable and accessible renewable energy solution.
- The collaboration between Discovery Green and Sasol not only benefits businesses financially through guaranteed monthly savings and reduced energy costs, but it also fosters economic empowerment, job creation, and drives South Africa towards a greener economy by democratizing access to renewable energy and increasing the nation's renewable capacity via wheeling arrangements.
