Renewable energy producer Voltalia has commenced full operations at the 148MW Bolobedu Solar Farm in Limpopo, South Africa.

Electricity is wheeled through Eskom’s transmission network to Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). This is a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, under a long-term corporate power purchase agreement.

The facility will generate approximately 300GW-hours (GWh) annually. Additionally, it is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 237,000 tonnes annually. It will join others such as Grootspruit and Graspan solar plant in spearheading clean energy in the country.

The output equates to the annual electricity consumption of about 425,000 people.

Construction activities provided employment for approximately 800 residents from three host communities. This is inclusive of 56% youth and 21% women according to the company.

Locals and Local Firms Benefit from the Project

Additionally, local workers received on-the-job training in engineering support, panel installation, and health, safety and environment practices.

Also, the project procured services from local transport cooperatives, catering businesses led by women and handicraft providers, alongside longer-term skills development programmes.

Voltalia stated that two local women investors partnered in the project. The company described Bolobedu as the first large-scale renewable energy development in the area backed exclusively by women investors.

Significance of the Project

Voltalia CEO Robert Klein stated: “The full commissioning of Bolobedu, the first large-scale photovoltaic project of this kind developed in South Africa for a private client, illustrates our commitment to accelerating the decarbonisation of industries and supporting an inclusive energy transition in the country, in close partnership with local communities.”

RBM managing director Werner Duvenhage said: “This initiative is not just about energy security but also about the long-term sustainability of our mining operations. As we break ground on Zulti South, this initiative paves the way for a cleaner energy future, contributing to both the national power grid and our global decarbonisation targets.”

The company inked a strategic partnership with IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, in October 2025 to advance Power-to-Mine projects across Africa.

In March 2025, Voltalia entered into a power sale agreement with JSC Uzenergosotish for its 526MW Artemisya hybrid project in Uzbekistan.

Project Factsheet

Location: Bolobedu, Greater Letaba Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Installed Capacity: 148 MW

Annual Generation: 300 GWh (enough to power roughly 425,000 residents)

Status: Fully Operational (Commissioned April 2026)

Technology: Ground-mounted Photovoltaic (PV) with bi-facial panels

Primary Off-taker: Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto

Developer/Operator: Voltalia (France-based renewable energy company).

Ownership Structure:

• The project is 51% Black-owned, fulfilling Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) requirements.
• Voltalia: 44%
• Black Enterprise(s): 41%
• Black Women Enterprise(s): 10% (The first large-scale SA project with this level of female investor support)
• Bolobedu Community Trust: 5%