SANParks announces landmark partnership to decarbonise KNP
The South African National Parks received a major boost on the eve of its centenary next year when it received a sponsorship to decarbonise the Kruger National Park.
In a landmark development today, SANParks and Ampli Energy announced a private-sector renewable energy sponsorship agreement for South African conservation, starting with Kruger National Park in its centenary next year.
The supply announced is equivalent to m0re than 25% of the park’s annual electricity consumption.
It is expected to help advance KNP’s sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
KNP is SANParks’ largest electricity user and accounts for about 70% of the organisation’s scope 2 emissions.
The demand for electricity is believed to be growing since KNP received more than 1, 5-million guests in 2025.
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 off taker for Ampli’s renewable energy portfolio, we are accelerating decarbonisation across our business while helping SANParks and other organisations do 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 transition.”
SANParks’ CEO Hapiloe Sello said the supply is part of the broader strategy to modernise infrastructure and improve 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,” he said.
The partnership is expected to go a long way in reducing emissions associated with its use, while it remains focused on its core conservation mandate.
Discovery Green CEO Andre Nepgen said: “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 assists for current and future generations.”
