New energy trader EPIX enters market following Investec licence transfer

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.

About EPIX

EPIX is an independent energy trading company and a joint venture between Energy Partners and Investec. Combining Energy Partners’ technical energy expertise and client relationships with Investec’s funding capabilities and market experience, EPIX provides integrated energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers. The company sources, trades and wheels renewable electricity from a broad network of generation partners, operating independently and on a technology- and supplier-agnostic basis, helping businesses reduce energy costs, improve resilience and accelerate their sustainability goals. EPIX is actively trading under an Electricity Trading Licence (NERSA/TRD15/2025) issued by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa on 30 June 2026. Visit: www.EPIX.co.za 

About Energy Partners

Energy Partners develops, operates and invests in industrial energy solutions which drive the critical operational performance of our clients. These include Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS), Steam Outsourcing, Data-as-a-Service (DaaS), ESG Data Management and Sustainability Strategy solutions.

Energy Partners:

• Provides 100% project capital (off-balance sheet)
• Provides 100% Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)
• Provides 100% Operation and Maintenance
• Reduces operational risk
• Frees up capital

Energy Partners’ investment team utilises bespoke and innovative investment structures to optimise the sustainability of our projects. Energy Partners has invested in and manage a large portfolio of different assets across different technologies. Energy Partners’ equity investments are supported by pre-approved funding facilities that include Construction and Term components. All the energy assets are carried 100% on the Energy Partners balance sheet. Energy Partners Holdings (Pty) Ltd is a B-BBEE Level 1-accredited provider