South African National Parks (SANParks) and Ampli Energy have announced a landmark private-sector renewable energy sponsorship agreement aimed at supporting the sustainability of Kruger National Park (KNP) as it marks its centenary year.

The agreement will provide renewable energy equivalent to more than 25% of KNP’s annual electricity consumption, helping the park advance its sustainability and decarbonisation goals.

Ampli Energy is a month-to-month renewable energy product from Discovery Green, in partnership with Sasol.

Off-site generation protects conservation land

KNP is SANParks’ largest electricity user and accounts for approximately 70% of the organisation’s Scope 2 emissions.

The park welcomed more than 1.8 million visitors in 2025, contributing to a growing energy demand across its operations.

SANParks said developing large-scale renewable energy generation inside the park would require significant capital and land, whereas its land is primary designated for conservation.

The partnership instead allows renewable energy to be generated where it is most suitable and supplied through South Africa’s electricity network to where it is needed.

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The renewable energy supply has already been supporting KNP, with Ampli Energy, Discovery Green and Sasol providing an amount equivalent to more than 25% of the park’s electricity consumption over the past few months.

Clean power strengthens park resilience

“Ampli Energy is demonstrating how South Africa’s industrial base can be a catalyst for both energy security and the energy transition,” said Dr Sarushen Pillay, executive vice president for business building, strategy, and technology at Sasol.

SANParks CEO Hapiloe Sello said the renewable energy supply forms part of a broader strategy to modernise infrastructure and improve the park’s resilience.

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“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,” Sello said.

Green initiative boosts tourism appeal

Discovery Green CEO André Nepgen said the company valued its partnership with SANParks and viewed the sponsorship as a contribution to South Africa’s economic and environmental well-being.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen Kruger’s position as a nature-based tourism destination as travellers increasingly seek destinations that demonstrate environmental responsibility.

Sello said integrating renewable energy into park operations would allow Kruger to combine visitor experiences with responsible environmental management.

Nepgen said the company was proud to support KNP as it enters its next 100 years.

“This contribution supports SANParks’ mission to conserve, expand and sustainably manage the country’s natural and cultural assets for current and future generations,” he said.