Charging forward on the momentum of its recent Bid Window 7 announcement, Red Rocket is proud to announce that it has obtained the licence to operate as an electricity trader. As a subsidiary of Red Rocket, Red Rocket Trading (Pty) Ltd has been years in the making, reflecting a long-held vision to power possibilities through sustainable energy solutions and to broaden the company’s role across South Africa’s evolving electricity market.
The receipt of the licence on 19 December 2025 from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), follows hot on the heels of the leading Independent Power Producer’s successful award of three solar projects. With a combined capacity of 650MW under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme’s Bid Window 7 Value for Money scheme, Red Rocket emerged victorious in a highly competitive bid round.
As a licensed trader, Red Rocket now expands its reach into multiple segments of the electricity market as a direct participant, enabling faster and more flexible access to electricity for clients and industries. The licence also creates avenues to buy and sell power with other energy-sector players, including IPPs, through bilateral trading arrangements, while supporting wheeling opportunities to unlock renewable energy supply at scale.
This strategic evolution has also been foreshadowed by Red Rocket’s “Give Me Power” campaign, which articulated the company’s long-standing commitment to driving meaningful transformation across the electricity value chain. The trading licence represents the realisation of that intent, translating vision into reality.
Commenting on the announcement, Red Rocket’s Head of Development, Sharief Harris, said: “We are proud to be granted this opportunity after years of dedication and refining our trading strategy. This licence enhances our reach in the commercial and industrial market, enabling customers to access affordable, reliable energy tailored to their needs.”
Backed by a strong and diversified portfolio of renewable energy projects across wind, solar, and hydro technologies, this milestone further strengthens Red Rocket’s development pipeline and positions the company to continue blazing a trail in South Africa’s renewable energy landscape.
Matteo Brambilla, Red Rocket’s CEO, said: “It is undeniable that the year 2025 has been one in which a shift has been felt across every area of our sector. At Red Rocket, our mission has always been to play a meaningful role in shaping South Africa’s energy future – not only by developing world-class renewable energy projects, but by helping create a more open, resilient, and customer-centric electricity market.
“Securing this licence stands to empower businesses to seamlessly transition to a greener, more sustainable supply of electricity in a cost-effective manner,” Brambilla added.
As a testament to Red Rocket’s belief that the energy transition is no longer a future ambition, the licensing reinforces the commitment to execution – supporting businesses, strengthening energy security, and contributing to a stronger and sustainable electricity system in South Africa.
