Kruger National Park secures renewable energy supply
Kruger National Park secures renewable energy equivalent to over 25% of annual electricity use through an Ampli Energy sponsorship. (Image source: Kruger National Park)
Kruger National Park is SANParks’ largest electricity user, accounting for approximately 70% of the organisation’s Scope 2 emissions. Electricity demand is also increasing, with the park welcoming more than 1.8 million visitors in 2025
Developing large-scale renewable energy generation within the park would require substantial capital investment and land. SANParks has prioritised conserving its land rather than using it for energy generation.
Changes in South Africa’s electricity market have created an alternative approach, allowing renewable energy to be generated at suitable locations and delivered through the electricity network to consumers elsewhere.
Dr Sarushen Pillay, executive vice-president: Business Building, Strategy and Technology, said, “Ampli Energy is demonstrating how South Africa’s industrial base can be a catalyst for both energy security and the energy transition. By using our Secunda complex as the backstop oRtaker for Ampli’s renewable energy portfolio, we are accelerating decarbonisation across our business while helping SANParks and other organisations do the same. With its scale and energy demand profile, Secunda is a cornerstone of South Africa’s energy system, showing how the country’s largest industrial assets can support both energy security and the transition. We are excited to see Ampli bringing to life the vision we share with Discovery Green: making renewable energy accessible at scale and helping organisations such as SANParks achieve their sustainability goals.”
The partnership is already operational. Through Ampli, Discovery Green and Sasol have supplied renewable energy equivalent to more than 25% of Kruger National Park’s electricity consumption over the past few months.
Hapiloe Sello, SANParks CEO, said the arrangement forms part of a wider strategy to modernise infrastructure and strengthen resilience.
“Kruger National Park is not only South Africa’s premier tourism destination, but also a cornerstone of conservation in our country and across the SANParks system. By securing renewable energy equivalent to more than 25% of the park’s annual electricity consumption, we are strengthening the park’s long-term sustainability, improving energy resilience and demonstrating how conservation institutions can contribute meaningfully to a lower-carbon future,” she said.
A partnership for the next century
The agreement is expected to help SANParks progressively reduce emissions associated with its electricity consumption while allowing the organisation to maintain its focus on conservation.
Andre Nepgen, CEO of Discovery Green, stated, “We deeply value our partnership with SANParks. Through Ampli Energy, we are sponsoring the park with renewable energy in a way that supports the economic and environmental health of South Africa. This contribution supports SANParks’ mission to conserve, expand and sustainably manage the country’s natural and cultural assets for current and future generations.”
The initiative also supports Kruger National Park’s position as a nature-based tourism destination. Sello said, “Today’s travellers increasingly seek destinations that demonstrate genuine environmental responsibility. By integrating renewable energy into park operations, Kruger National Park strengthens its ability to combine exceptional visitor experiences with responsible environmental management.”
Nepgen concluded, “It is a privilege to apply our data-led approach to renewable energy in partnership with Sasol through Ampli Energy to support an iconic South African institution. We are proud to help power KNP’s next 100 years.”
