Ampli Energy Offers No-Risk Path to Clean Power for South African Businesses
Discovery Green and petrochemicals giant Sasol launched a revolutionary new company on Thursday—Ampli Energy—designed to democratize renewable energy access for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) across South Africa. The groundbreaking venture promises to make clean energy both accessible and profitable for businesses of all sizes.
“We are on the cusp of an energy revolution,” declared Discovery CEO Adrian Gore at the launch event. “SMMEs are the engine of the economy. Big businesses like ours don’t create jobs.”
In a country where utility costs from coal-dependent Eskom are skyrocketing, Ampli Energy offers a radical departure from traditional energy models. The companies describe the offering as a “market-first, no-fee, no-risk, no-hassle, month-to-month renewable energy product” that actually pays businesses monthly cash back to replace their electricity consumption with clean, grid-delivered renewable energy.
Andre Nepgen, head of Discovery Green, explained that the cash payments come from sharing the difference between traditional utility bills and the lower costs of renewable energy. The service requires no infrastructure investment from businesses, using the existing national grid via wheeling agreements.
“Through simple, month-to-month membership any business anywhere in the country can now replace the majority of its electricity with renewable energy already flowing through the national grid, reducing carbon emissions without upfront capital requirements, installations or long-term contracts,” the companies stated.
For South African SMMEs, the benefits are transformative: lower electricity costs without infrastructure investment, no upfront capital outlay or long-term contracts, and nationwide availability with month-to-month flexibility. The innovation eliminates the traditional barriers that have prevented many smaller businesses from transitioning to green energy.
“Ampli Energy is revolutionary. It represents a sea change in green energy,” said Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who made a point of attending the launch event, signaling government support for private sector clean energy initiatives.
Source: Daily Maverick
