JOHANNESBURG – A new study reveals how expanding wheeled access to renewable energy will recharge South Africa's economy.
New research shows that it can invest in wheeled renewable energy access, allowing businesses to purchase clean power through the grid, spurring capital investments of R300 billion and creating 280,000 new jobs in South Africa.
Whitepaper, Wheel for Growth: The socioeconomic impact of the expansion of renewable energy access in South Africa, commissioned by Discovery Green and implemented by Krutham, highlights the massive economic potential of unlocking renewable energy for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and non-energy-intensive enterprises.
Important findings:
Investment needed for wheel energy in South Africa
An additional solar and wind energy capacity of 16.9GW required 3.7GWH of battery storage.
“We've been working hard to get the most out of our business,” said André Nepgen, Head of Discovery Green. “Renewable Energy Wheeling marks a new era of South Africa's energy democracy. By dismantling barriers, we can reduce costs, innovate and grow.”
Corporate game changer
Currently, between 15-20% of SA's electricity demand comes from companies excluded from traditional renewable energy access.
Wheeled energy can save R15 billion to 45bn per year on tariffs while increasing GDP growth by 0.7%.
Ampli Energy: Provides access to renewable energy
To accelerate this shift, Discovery Green and Sasol have launched Ampli Energy.
“We're looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Adrian Gore, CEO of Discovery Group. “This isn't just sustainability, it's about economic change. Renewable energy can drive employment, savings and growth.”
Future path
Policy reform and infrastructure investment are important for SA to seize this opportunity.
By embracing renewable energy with wheels, the country can:
Reducing emissions SA, which stimulates job creation, reduces energy costs for companies, is a green energy leader
Conclusion?
Unlocking renewable energy with unleashed wheels is simply not good for the planet. This is the economic catalyst for RIN 30.8 billion waiting to be generated.
*This article was first published in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za
