Voltalia develops 148 MW solar facility in South Africa

Voltalia, a France-based independent power producer (IPP), has commenced construction of a 148 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Bolobedu, Limpopo Province, South Africa, with completion projected in 2024. In October 2022, following the conclusion of a 20-year private off-taker power purchase agreement with Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), a subsidiary of the global mining group Rio Tinto.  The Bolobedu solar farm as an estimated annual production capacity of 300 GWh which will be supplied to the RMB's production facilities.

The solar PV plant is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 237,000 tons, which is comparable to removing 50,000 cars with internal combustion engines from the road. In addition to creating 700 jobs during construction, it is anticipated that at least 53 permanent positions would be available for operation and maintenance.

The current recurring rolling blackouts in South Africa, known as "load shedding," continue to impede productivity, the power plant will enable Richards Bay Minerals to reduce its energy spend and secure an alternative electricity source.