Press release -
Discovery Green and Southern Sun forge 10-year renewable energy partnership
Discovery Green, a Discovery Limited business, is proud to announce the signing of a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Southern Sun, South Africa’s leading hospitality group. This agreement will see more than 90% of Southern Sun’s consumption across seven flagship sites powered by clean, renewable energy wheeled from some of the country's largest wind and solar farms through the national grid.
Under the agreement, Discovery Green will supply renewable energy to Southern Sun’s Arabella Hotel, Golf and Spa, Drakensberg Sun, Garden Court Morningside, Southern Sun Katherine Street, Southern Sun Sandton, Champagne Sports Resort, and Sabi River Sun Resort.
This agreement builds on Discovery Green’s other agreements in the hospitality and property sectors, whereby Southern Sun will receive energy from Discovery Green’s renewable portfolio, including phase two of the Overberg Wind Farm with Red Rocket currently under construction.
Andre Nepgen, Head of Discovery Green, said: “We are thrilled to supply Southern Sun and these iconic hotels and resorts with affordable, renewable energy.
“This partnership speaks to our broader goal to unlock renewable energy access for all South African businesses, from NGOs and SMME to large sectors like hospitality, to drive economic growth.”
A sustainable edge
Though not traditionally energy-intensive, the hospitality industry stands to benefit significantly from renewables – lowering costs, meeting consumer demand for responsible travel, and strengthening brand reputation.
With over 90 hotels across Africa and the Middle East, Southern Sun continues to embed sustainability into its operations and has a reputation for its commitment to environmental stewardship. From energy and water savings to waste reduction, the group is intent on minimising its environmental impact and preserving South Africa's natural beauty for generations to come.
Commenting on the partnership, Marcel von Aulock, CEO of Southern Sun, said: “Partnering with Discovery Green is an important step in our sustainability programme. Securing cost-effective renewable energy for our flagship properties not only reduces our carbon footprint but also assures guests that their stay supports South Africa’s transition to a cleaner energy future. This agreement reinforces our long-term commitment to responsible growth while ensuring energy stability for our operations.”
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About Discovery Green
Backed by the scale and actuarial expertise of the Discovery Group, Discovery Green empowers businesses to replace more than 90% of their electricity demand with affordable, price-certain renewable energy. Through partnerships with some of the largest wind and solar plants in the country, Discovery Green aims to contribute significantly to South Africa's energy transition. For more information, visit www.discoverygreen.co.za
Southern Sun
Southern Sun is the leading hospitality group in Southern Africa with hotels in South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and the Middle East. Southern Sun’s portfolio of brands includes award-winning luxury hotels such as 54 on Bath, Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa, the Beverly Hills, Mount Grace Hotel & Spa and the Sandton Sun & Towers, as well as trusted economy offerings such as StayEasy and Sun1, well-known full-service brands such as Southern Sun Hotels, SunSquare and Garden Court, and a collection of resorts in idyllic settings. For more information, visit southernsun.com
