Johannesburg – New research reveals how expanding wheeled renewable energy access could supercharge South Africa’s economy.
Investing in wheeled renewable energy access, allowing businesses to buy clean power via the grid, could drive R308 billion in capital investment and create 280,000 new jobs in South Africa, according to a new study.
The white paper, Wheeling for Growth: The Socioeconomic Impact of Expanding Renewable Energy Access in South Africa, commissioned by Discovery Green and conducted by Krutham, highlights the massive economic potential of unlocking renewable energy for small and medium businesses (SMMEs) and non-energy-intensive corporates.
Key Findings:
Investment required in wheeling energy in South Africa
- 16.9GW of additional solar and wind energy capacity needed
- 3.7GWh of battery storage required
- R308 billion in total investment (R282 billion for generation, R26 billion for storage)
- 280,000 jobs created (52,000 permanent, 228,000 temporary)
- 30.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions reduced annually
André Nepgen, Head of Discovery Green, says: “Renewable energy wheeling heralds a new era of energy democracy in South Africa. By dismantling barriers, we empower businesses to cut costs, innovate, and grow.”
A Game-Changer for Businesses
Currently, 15-20% of SA’s electricity demand comes from businesses excluded from traditional renewable energy access.
Wheeled energy could save them R15 billion–R45bn per year in tariffs while boosting GDP growth by 0.7%.
Ampli Energy: Making Renewables Accessible
To accelerate this shift, Discovery Green and Sasol launched Ampli Energy – a flexible, no-upfront-cost solution for businesses to access clean energy.
Adrian Gore, Discovery Group CEO, said: “This isn’t just about sustainability – it’s about economic transformation. Renewable energy can drive jobs, savings, and growth.”
The way forward
For SA to seize this opportunity, policy reforms and infrastructure investment are critical.
By embracing wheeled renewables, the country can:
- Reduce energy costs for businesses
- Stimulate job creation
- Cut emissions
- Position SA as a green energy leader
The bottom line?
Unlocking wheeled renewable energy isn’t just good for the planet – it’s a R308bn economic catalyst waiting to happen.
*This article was first published in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za
