FNB, WesBank and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) have launched nav.energy, an integrated platform designed to help South African businesses access, finance and implement renewable energy solutions. The initiative brings together financing, technical expertise and energy delivery partners in one offering, targeting companies that want greater control over electricity costs and supply.
The platform combines capabilities from across FirstRand’s financial services businesses. WesBank provides financing for customers who want to own renewable energy systems, while FNB Energy Solutions and Acacia contribute energy-related funding and sector expertise. RMB brings experience in financing renewable energy infrastructure and supporting projects across the market. The aim is to simplify the process for businesses that would otherwise need to navigate equipment suppliers, financiers and energy service providers separately. Bizcommunity
Nav.energy offers three main ways for customers to access renewable energy. Businesses can finance and own their systems, use a rent-to-own arrangement with ownership transferring at the end of an agreed term, or pay for the electricity they consume through a managed arrangement or power purchase agreement. The options cater to different capital positions and operational requirements, including businesses that want to avoid the upfront cost and responsibility of owning and maintaining equipment.
The launch builds on RMB’s existing renewable energy financing activity. The bank has provided more than R46 billion in lending to government-led programmes and private-sector initiatives supporting renewable energy in South Africa over 14 years. As of 30 June 2025, renewable energy accounted for 76% of RMB’s R53.5 billion infrastructure lending and investment portfolio in the country. These figures describe the bank’s existing activity, rather than a new financing commitment announced for nav.energy. Lifestyle & Tech
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The platform enters a market where businesses are increasingly exploring alternatives to conventional electricity procurement through rooftop solar, battery storage and power purchase agreements with independent generators. But choosing a solution involves more than selecting equipment. Companies must assess their electricity demand, available installation space, financing costs, maintenance obligations and whether their operations require power beyond the hours when solar panels generate electricity. Bringing financing and energy expertise together could make those decisions easier, although the commercial value of each option will depend on the customer’s circumstances and contract terms.
For now, nav.energy is available to business, commercial and corporate customers. Planned additions include energy calculators, system-sizing tools and a supplier directory, while household access is expected to follow as the platform expands. The launch announcement does not specify a separate new capital pool or a target for renewable capacity to be installed through the platform. Its immediate significance is the creation of a single access point for existing financial and energy capabilities, with the scale of its eventual impact depending on customer uptake and the projects it helps bring forward.
