South Africa's Open Access Energy secures $1.8 million in funding, pushing forward the development of its AI-driven clean energy system.
In a major stride towards South Africa's clean energy ambitions, Cape Town-based startup Open Access Energy (OAE) has successfully raised $1.8 million (R32.3 million) in seed funding for its AI-powered electricity trading platform, EnergyPro. The funding, announced on July 1, 2025, will enable OAE to expand its technology capabilities and market reach in South Africa.
At the heart of OAE's operations is the EnergyPro software, a cloud-based solution designed to facilitate smarter electricity trading. This innovative platform plays a pivotal role in South Africa's energy transition from coal to renewable sources by providing an AI-driven platform that optimises the integration and trading of renewable energy.
By streamlining metering, forecasting, and risk management, EnergyPro helps manage and balance the supply and demand of renewable electricity in real-time. This dynamic approach reduces reliance on coal-based power and accelerates the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
CEO Gerjo Hoffman emphasised that the funding will empower independent power producers and energy traders to succeed in an open market. Board Chairman James Irons also noted that OAE is preparing to engage a local investment partner to drive its continued growth.
The EnergyPro platform is not just a tool for trading electricity; it is a solution that addresses South Africa's energy reliability issues. By enabling the real-time alignment between electricity generation and consumption, the platform ensures a more stable and efficient energy supply.
This development marks a significant step towards South Africa's clean energy goals, leveraging AI and digital solutions to transform the electricity market. With the enhancements to its tools, OAE is poised to expand its offerings for independent power producers and energy traders, contributing further to South Africa's shift from coal to renewable energy.
[1] Source: Open Access Energy Press Release, July 1, 2025.
The funding raised by Open Access Energy (OAE) will be instrumental in expanding the technology capabilities of their AI-powered electricity trading platform, EnergyPro, which plays a crucial role in South Africa's energy transition by optimizing the integration and trading of renewable energy. This platform, based on cloud-computing solutions, streamlines metering, forecasting, and risk management to ensure a more stable and efficient energy supply in South Africa, contributing to the country's shift towards sustainable energy solutions. The investments made in OAE's AI-driven platform will further empower independent power producers and energy traders in the open market, as the company seeks to engage local investment partners for continued growth.
