MINING ENERGY SOLUTIONS
What is Discovery Green mining operations wheeling?
Discovery Green is a renewable energy wheeling platform for South African mining houses. Renewable electricity generated at large-scale wind and solar plants is delivered into the mining operation through the national grid, replacing a portion of utility-supplied electricity at price-certain rates. The platform aggregates supply from multiple generators, so a single project never carries the full load.
Mining is the only commercial sector where 50MW+ baseload is the starting point of the conversation rather than a stretch target. Underground operations run continuously. Surface processing follows the ore. Standard wheeling templates do not survive contact with that reality. Discovery Green, powered by our proprietary actuarial platform, analyses 12 months of interval data to identify the consumption shape underneath, then builds a contract around the actual demand curve.
BUILT FOR SMES
Who Ampli Energy is built for
WHEELING IN MINING
How mining wheeling comes together
Interval Data Submission and Mining Consumption Analysis
The mining operation provides 12 months of interval data across all shafts, plants and processing facilities. EOS identifies underground baseload, surface processing peaks, maintenance dips and seasonal commodity swings. A tailored proposal based on actual consumption is delivered within 10 business days.
Generation Profile Matching and Detailed Modelling
Northern Cape solar covers daytime baseload. Wind from Overberg and other portfolio plants fills evening, overnight and weather gaps. P90 confidence intervals are calculated for every coverage scenario.
Product Selection and Mining-Specific Contract Terms
Operations choose Green Saver (maximum cost saving) or Green Guarantee (full Scope 2 elimination). Contract length, volumes, escalation and flexibility for production swings are agreed. Contracts comply with NERSA regulations and municipal frameworks.
Regulatory approvals and first renewable wheel
Wheeling agreements with the licensed trader, generator and grid operator are finalised. Connection points, regulatory approvals and metering alignment are confirmed. From the first renewable wheel, generation savings flow at CPI escalation for the contract term.
OUR SOLUTION
What mining houses get with Discovery Green
OUR PACKAGES
Discovery Green mining pricing
Green Flex
30% Coverage
The entry point onto the platform. Flat tariff per kWh, no time-of-use complexity. Energy Reserve mechanism reserves headroom to scale to Green Saver coverage as the operation's strategy matures. Predetermined upgrade rates locked in from day one.
Green Saver
90% Coverage (70% Min)
The product most mining houses choose. Replaces around 90% of electricity consumption with renewable generation, with a 70% minimum and headroom to scale to 100% as portfolio capacity becomes available. Highest cost saving in the product range. Flat discount on the active energy charge per kWh.
Green Guarantee
100% Coverage (up to 110%)
For mining houses that need to eliminate Scope 2 entirely, typically because of European export obligations. 100% coverage with an option to over-procure to 110% to absorb consumption peaks. CBAM compliance support and audit-ready documentation are part of the product.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why mining houses choose Discovery Green over a direct PPA
Four reasons that come up in mining procurement conversations, with the proof behind each.
Actuarial confidence designed for mining capital
Discovery Green brings 30 years of Discovery Group statistical rigour - including P90 confidence intervals and weather modelling - to renewable contracts built for mining's 20+ year capital cycles.
Production reality, not standard templates
Mining production patterns break the utility-style templates most renewable contracts rely on.
Risk spread, not concentrated
Aggregated supply across multiple plants and weather systems ensures no single project failure can threaten a mine's long-term energy plan.
Backed by Discovery Limited and a 450MW Renewable Portfolio
Backed by Discovery Limited's actuarial scale, Discovery Green draws on a 450MW portfolio reaching full commercial operation in 2027, collectively cutting an estimated 1.15 million tonnes of CO₂e annually.
THE ECOSYSTEM
Where mining sits in the Discovery Green range
Ampli is the entry point. The other three products serve businesses at 1MW+ demand on direct wheeling contracts.
Green Saver (90%, 70% min)
Replace ~90% of electricity with renewables at the highest cost saving.
Green Guarantee (100%, up to 110%)
100% renewable coverage with audit-ready Scope 2 documentation for CBAM compliance.
Ampli Energy (Demand Pooling)
Aggregates demand so smaller supply-chain operations can access wheeling.
RESOURCES
Mining decision-maker resource pack
Insight
Renewable energy strategy white paper
Learn more about how to approach renewable energy strategies for businesses in South Africa in this technical review.
Press release
Discovery signs 20-year PPA with Anthem
Clean energy powerhouse Anthem and project co-shareholders Reatile Renewables reach financial close on Notsi Solar Project with Discovery Green and NOA trading as offtakers.
Case Studies
Case Studies
The Business of Green takes a close look at Impala Platinum and how they are using green energy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
How can renewable energy reduce my business costs?
Renewable energy replaces expensive grid electricity with solar or wind power generated on or near your premises. SMEs typically save between 20-40% on electricity costs. Savings are locked in through long-term contracts with CPI-linked escalation, shielding you from the CPI+5% trajectory of Eskom tariffs.
What renewable energy options are available for SMEs?
SMEs can access rooftop solar PV systems, small-scale wind turbines, and battery storage solutions. Ampli Energy assesses your premises, energy profile, and budget to recommend the optimal combination - whether a standalone solar installation, hybrid solar and storage, or a full renewable energy suite.
Is my business eligible for government incentives?
Most SMEs qualify for South Africa's Section 12B tax incentive, which allows a 125% deduction on qualifying renewable energy investments in the first year. Ampli Energy will advise on your eligibility and help structure your investment to maximise tax benefits and rebates.
What happens during load shedding with renewable energy?
With Ampli Energy's battery storage solutions, your business continues operating during load shedding. Excess solar energy generated during the day is stored in batteries and discharged automatically when the grid goes down, keeping critical systems running without interruption.
How long does installation take for an SME?
A typical SME solar installation takes 2-5 days on-site after design and approval. From your first free assessment to a commissioned system, the process generally takes 6-10 weeks. Ampli Energy manages all permitting, approvals, and grid connection applications on your behalf.
What is the return on investment for SME solar?
Most SME solar installations achieve payback within 3-6 years, with systems designed to operate for 25+ years. With Section 12B tax incentives applied, ROI timelines can be significantly shorter. Ampli Energy provides detailed financial projections for every proposal.