ENERGY
SMEs employ almost 60 % of the South African workforce and yet they have been historically excluded.
and wind output is now stored in batteries to provide energy on demand. The combination of virtual wheeling and storage is turning intermittent renewable generation into a 24 / 7 supply chain.
The next step is the grid itself. South Africa’ s transmission network is nearing capacity in high renewable energyresource provinces like the Northern Cape, which is sparking further discussion and investment into capacity to minimise the risk of energy disruptions. As the SA energy market evolves, the conversation is moving away from load shedding as companies ask whether they still need their own energy strategies.
IPPs like the SOLA Group have developed rolling and short-term PPAs designed to offer companies flexibility and an immediate opex saving. Translated, this means the barrier to entry is lowering so SMEs can secure renewable power without having to invest in panels on their roof. This flexibility is deepened by the upcoming South African Wholesale Electricity Market( SAWEM) which is expected to go live in 2026. It enables licensed market participants to trade energy as a commodity, which will increase both competition and transparency. In time, it will give SMEs the ability to compare offers, buy from clean generators and manage energy costs more predictably.
Another factor that’ s changing the renewable picture is the evolution of battery energy storage systems( BESS). Global storage prices have dropped considerably, averaging $ 115 per kWh as of the end of 2024 according to BloombergNEF, and this has made it feasible for developers to include batteries as standard in new projects. This translates into consistent power, as solar
The answer is YES. Energy self-reliance, particularly with clean energy, is a competitive advantage. It shields companies from price volatility and reduces carbon exposure; it also positions them for export markets that are tightening their environmental standards. Resilience is defined as flexibility and choice, and in a company’ s ability to participate in a cleaner and smarter energy system.
Still, perhaps the most important outcome of these reforms is participation. SMEs employ almost 60 % of the South African workforce and yet they have been historically excluded. Virtual wheeling and flexible PPAs change the equation and allow SMEs to access the same cost benefits and sustainable credentials as large enterprises.
The ripple effect of this inclusivity is profound. When companies have access to cheaper and predictable energy costs, this improves their cash flow and competitiveness, and it has a knock-on effect for communities and the economy. A more distributed market reduces the strain on the national grid while stimulating economic inclusion.
As South Africa continues to decentralise its energy system, the next wave of growth relies on keeping this access open. � sabusinessintegrator. co. za 57