Voltalia Commissions 148 MW Bolobedu Solar Farm in South Africa

Voltalia has announced the full commissioning of the 148 MW Bolobedu solar farm in Limpopo province, South Africa. The project is among the largest in the country dedicated to supplying power to a single corporate client through a wheeling arrangement via the Eskom transmission network.

The solar farm operates under a long-term corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto. It is expected to generate approximately 300 GWh of electricity annually, reducing carbon emissions by more than 237,000 tonnes per year—equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 425,000 people.

Beyond its energy output, the project has delivered notable socio-economic benefits. During construction, around 800 local residents were employed, including a significant share of youth and women. The initiative also supported local enterprises such as transport cooperatives, catering services, and handicraft businesses, while providing skills development and training opportunities in solar installation, engineering support, and health and safety practices.

In a first for a large-scale renewable energy project, Voltalia partnered with two local women investors, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and community-driven energy development. The company stated that the project reflects its broader strategy of delivering sustainable economic and social value alongside clean energy generation.

The commissioning comes as South Africa accelerates its transition away from coal-based power generation toward renewable energy to enhance energy security and meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Commenting on the milestone, Chief Executive Officer Robert Klein said the project demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting industrial decarbonisation and advancing an inclusive energy transition in partnership with local communities. Werner Duvenhage added that the solar farm marks a significant step toward ensuring long-term sustainability of mining operations while contributing to national and global decarbonisation goals.

Separately, Voltalia highlighted its strategic partnership with International Finance Corporation (IFC), signed in October 2025, aimed at accelerating renewable energy adoption in Africa’s mining sector. The collaboration will focus on developing “Power-to-Mine” projects integrating renewable energy, storage, and hybrid systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen energy resilience across the continent.