Discovery Green-commissioned White Paper Reveals Vast Economic Potential Of Wheeled Renewable Energy Access

Johannesburg, 15 May 2025 – Traditionally, access to wheeled renewable energy has excluded many South African businesses – from larger non-energy-intensive corporates to SMMEs – from participating in the energy transition, even though they account for 15 to 20% of the country’s total electricity consumption.

To better understand the economic opportunity of expanding access to renewable energy, Discovery Green commissioned independent research and advisory consulting firm Krutham to explore the national impact of enabling renewable energy wheeling for SMMES and non-energy-intensive tertiary sector firms.

The resulting white paper, Wheeling for growth: The socioeconomic impact of expanding renewable energy access in South Africa, unveils a transformative vision. Using a scenario where non-energy-intensive corporates and SMMEs replaced 100% of their electricity with renewable energy, the white paper reveals that an additional 16.9GW of solar and wind energy generation and 3.7GWh of battery storage would be required. Such an expansion could drive an estimated R308 billion in capital investment and create approximately 280,000 new jobs, reshaping the economic landscape.

The Krutham White Paper: Key Insights and Findings

• Unlocking renewable energy wheeling for SMMES and larger non-energy-intensive companies in the tertiary sector could yield R15 billion to R45 billion per year in tariff savings.
• Tariff savings could create 52,000 new jobs annually, driven by employment growth in micro-enterprises, while the resulting infrastructure could generate an additional 228,000 jobs (62% of these being temporary jobs) and cut national emissions by 30.6 million tonnes of CO₂e per annum.
• To meet demand, renewable energy capacity would need to increase by 16.9GW from solar and wind and by 3.7GWh in battery storage, requiring an additional R282 billion and R26 billion in investment, respectively.
• Under the 20% tariff savings scenario, such access to renewable energy for this business segment could increase South Africa’s long-run GDP growth by 0.7%.

Andre Nepgen, Head of Discovery Green, highlighted the broader implications of these findings: “Renewable energy wheeling heralds a new era of energy democracy in South Africa. By dismantling barriers to access, we are not only cutting carbon footprints but also empowering businesses of all sizes to innovate, expand, and compete on a global stage. This transition is about more than just energy; it represents a strategic move towards creating a resilient, sustainable economic future that benefits every South African.”

Energy, Amplified

The release of these findings coincide with the launch of Ampli Energy – a market-first month-to-month renewable energy product that gives South African businesses of all sizes immediate access to green energy at scale through the national grid. The result of a partnership between Discovery Green, a Discovery Limited business, and global energy company Sasol, Ampli Energy introduces a no-fees, no-risk, no-hassle solution for businesses looking to cut emissions and electricity costs, punctuated by monthly savings, no upfront costs, and flexible, penalty-free cancellation.

Nepgen added: “With the launch of Ampli Energy, we are poised to revolutionise the energy landscape in South Africa. In combining innovative renewable energy solutions with strategic partnerships, we aim to deliver unparalleled access to clean energy. This initiative not only aligns with South Africa’s sustainability goals but also ensures that businesses, particularly SMMEs, have the resources they need to flourish in a competitive global market.”

Adrian Gore, Discovery Group Chief Executive, echoed Nepgen’s sentiments: “The launch of Ampli Energy is a powerful combination of Discovery Green’s wheeling expertise and Sasol’s experience as a leader 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.”

Energising South Africa’s Growth

The white paper hammers home the urgent need for regulatory reform and infrastructure development to enable renewable energy wheeling in South Africa. By overcoming these barriers, the country can unlock renewable energy’s full potential to drive economic growth, reduce emissions, and foster a sustainable, inclusive future.

Discovery Green, Sasol and partners are leading the charge in investing in renewable infrastructure and empowering businesses with access to affordable, reliable green energy. Embracing renewable energy wheeling through innovations such as Ampli Energy will position South Africa as a leader in the global energy transition.

Download the full white paper report here.