Voltalia Launches 148 MW Solar Plant in South Africa
Voltalia has announced the full commissioning of the Bolobedu Solar Plant in South Africa, a 148-megawatt project developed for Richards Bay Minerals as part of a long-term contract. This facility demonstrates the group's commitment to supporting its clients in their energy transition while generating socio-economic benefits for local communities.
A Major Solar Initiative in Limpopo Province
Located in the Limpopo province, the Bolobedu Solar Plant is one of the largest projects dedicated to powering a single company in South Africa. Voltalia developed this facility for Richards Bay Minerals, a South African world leader in the mining and refining of heavy mineral sands and a subsidiary of the Rio Tinto group. The project is part of a long-term Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) and utilizes Eskom's transmission network through a wheeling contract. The plant produces about 300 gigawatt-hours annually and will help reduce CO? emissions by over 237,000 tons each year.
Local Community Engagement and Development
During the construction phase, about 800 residents from the three host communities were employed, with 56% youth and 21% women representation. Local workers received training in technical assistance, solar panel installation, and HSE awareness. The project also supported the development of a local value chain including transport cooperatives, women-led catering services, and craft initiatives. Voltalia partnered with two local women investors, making Bolobedu the first large-scale renewable energy project exclusively supported by women. Furthermore, in October 2025, Voltalia signed a strategic partnership with the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, aimed at accelerating the deployment of sustainable energy solutions in the mining sector in Africa through the development of 'Power-to-Mine' projects incorporating renewable energies, hybrid systems, storage, and power purchase agreements.
