Voltalia Commissions 148MW Solar Farm for Rio Tinto’s Richards Bay Minerals
Voltalia has started full operations at the 148MW Bolobedu solar farm in Limpopo, supplying 300GWh annually under a long-term PPA to Rio Tinto’s Richards Bay Minerals. The facility is projected to cut over 237,000 tonnes of CO2 per year and employs 800 local residents through community partnerships.
1. Commissioning and Capacity
Voltalia has initiated full operations at its 148MW Bolobedu solar farm in Limpopo, South Africa, with expected annual output of around 300GWh, equivalent to the electricity needs of approximately 425,000 people.
2. Long-Term PPA with Richards Bay Minerals
Electricity from Bolobedu is transmitted via Eskom’s network under a long-term corporate power purchase agreement with Rio Tinto’s Richards Bay Minerals, enhancing energy security for its mining operations as it advances the Zulti South project.
3. Environmental and Community Impact
The facility is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 237,000 tonnes per annum and created jobs for about 800 local residents—56% youth and 21% women—with training in engineering, panel installation and safety; two local women investors exclusively backed the project.