Renewable energy company Voltalia has commissioned the 148 MW Bolobedu solar power plant, in Limpopo, for mining company Rio Tinto South Africa subsidiary Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).

Bolobedu will supply about 300 GWh/y of renewable energy to RBM’s production facilities in KwaZulu-Natal.

This project reduces RBM’s annual greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 10%, or about 237 000 t/y, which is equivalent to removing about 50 000 cars from the country’s roads.

By generating clean electricity with low environmental impact, the plant contributes to long‑term sustainability and climate resilience.

Its land‑use strategy incorporates biodiversity‑conscious planning, which ensures that renewable energy development coexists responsibly with the surrounding environment, says Voltalia.

Further, under a power wheeling agreement with State-owned Eskom, the energy generated by the plant is transmitted over hundreds of kilometres to power RBM's operations. The injection of 300 GWh/y of power into the national electrical grid also reduces pressure on the national utility’s infrastructure, the company says.

As one of the largest South African renewable power plants dedicated to the energy needs of a single corporate client, the project demonstrates how long‑term renewable energy investments can deliver sustained economic, social and environmental impact in some of South Africa’s least-developed regions, says Voltalia.

Additionally, the project enhances Limpopo’s profile as an emerging destination for clean‑energy development, positioning the province to attract further international interest in solar, storage and hybrid energy systems, it adds.

The project created about 800 jobs during construction and placed a strong emphasis on local hiring. The project also delivered lasting skills development in electrical installation, civil works, safety systems and solar plant operations.

Local workers were trained on the job in engineering support, solar panel installation, and health, safety and environmental awareness. More than half of the residents employed during the construction phase were youth workers.

These capabilities now reside within the community, which strengthens the region’s technical base and enables local workers to participate in future renewable energy and infrastructure projects, Voltalia says.

Further, the operational phase of the plant supports permanent roles in plant management, maintenance and security, which ensures ongoing employment and skills retention.

During development, local suppliers were integrated into the procurement pipeline, which stimulated small business growth and enabled entrepreneurs to participate in the renewable energy value chain.

Similarly, transport operators, construction firms, security companies and hospitality providers benefited from the project.

This secondary economic activity has helped diversify the local economy and create new opportunities in a region where unemployment and under‑investment have historically been high, the company says.

Voltalia adds that the agreement with Rio Tinto aligns with its strategic partnership with international financial institution the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – concluded in 2025 – that is designed to speed up the development of sustainable energy projects in the African mining sector.

Utility-scale projects, such as the Bolobedu solar farm, will be vital to South Africa achieving its target of adding 28.7 GW of new solar PV capacity by 2039, including 10.3 GW between 2026 and 2030.

The Bolobedu project illustrates Voltalia’s commitment to accelerating the decarbonisation of industries and supporting an inclusive energy transition in the country, while also supporting local communities, it says.