By Refilwe Monyai.
South Africa’s competitive electricity market has welcomed a new independent participant, with EPIX commencing operations in August 2026 following the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)-approved transfer of Investec’s energy trading licence to the joint venture platform in June 2026.
Established as an equal joint venture between Energy Partners and Investec, EPIX combines renewable generation sourcing, funding capability and customer demand in a dedicated platform built to deliver flexible electricity solutions to South Africa’s commercial and industrial sector.
“The launch of EPIX marks an important milestone in the development of South Africa’s private electricity market,” says Mpho Modise, Managing Director: Generation at EPIX. “By bringing together the complementary strengths of both shareholders, EPIX provides a dedicated platform that connects renewable energy generators with commercial and industrial customers, supporting increased competition, private sector participation and the country’s energy transition.”
EPIX’s integrated model allows businesses to access a combination of utility scale renewable generation sources optimised for their unique requirements through a single provider. By analysing customers’ energy consumption profiles, sustainability objectives and commercial requirements, EPIX develops customised energy strategies that align businesses’ operational needs with suitable renewable energy solutions.
Investec contributes funding strength, market relationships and expertise in sourcing large-scale renewable generation, while Energy Partners brings established commercial and industrial customer relationships, technical expertise and energy solutions capability. The licence transfer also enables EPIX to source electricity competitively from a broad range of qualifying renewable generators.
“While backed by Energy Partners and Investec, EPIX operates as an independent, technology- and supplier-agnostic energy trader,” adds Modise. “The business is not limited to trading electricity projects financed by Investec, giving customers access to a broader and more flexible energy market.”
EPIX has achieved an important operational milestone, with its first-generation facility commencing trading on 15 August. A second generation facility is expected to come online soon, further expanding EPIX’s renewable energy portfolio and enhancing its ability to service the needs of a growing customer base.
“Initially, EPIX will procure electricity from both facilities and wheel power to customers across major sectors of the South African economy, including mining, food and beverage, manufacturing, logistics, retail and property,” says Charl du Plessis, Managing Director: Business Development at EPIX. “This indicates rising demand from businesses seeking flexible access to renewable electricity that improves energy resilience while supporting sustainability objectives.”
Over time, EPIX intends to increase the load of renewable energy available to customers by broadening its supply mix. In the near term, this will entail integrating wind, hydro and battery energy storage with solar generation to improve flexibility and renewable penetration. As transmission constraints ease and additional renewable projects are commissioned, wind energy is expected to play an increasingly crucial component in the supply portfolio, helping to better align renewable generation with customer consumption patterns.
“A key differentiator for EPIX is our independent yet integrated approach to energy management,” says du Plessis. “Through Energy Partners’ Syntiro platform, customers will have a consolidated view of their energy ecosystem, bringing together onsite generation, electricity consumption, wheeled power and sustainability data to support better operational and investment decisions.”
The business also creates new opportunities for independent power producers and investors by providing a platform that links renewable generation assets with growing electricity demand and capital, while supporting the continued development of South Africa’s competitive electricity market.
Though the immediate focus remains on South Africa, EPIX intends expanding into the Southern African Power Pool and plans to apply for the necessary licence to wheel power to customers connected across the regional network.
“EPIX represents the next phase of South Africa’s evolving electricity market, creating a platform that supports greater competition, unlocks new renewable energy investment and gives businesses greater choice and flexibility in how they source electricity. We are excited about the road ahead and the role EPIX can play in helping shape a more competitive, resilient and sustainable energy future,” concludes Modise.