Partnership for renewable solar power at RBM
(Posted on 06/10/22)
Richard’s Bay Minerals (RBM) will be supplied with renewable solar power through an agreement with international energy company Voltalia and local Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) partners, for its operation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Under the agreement, Voltalia will begin construction of the Bolobedu Solar PV renewable energy project in 2023, at a site in the province of Limpopo. The power plant is scheduled to be complete by 2024 and will deliver an annual generation capacity of up to 300GWh. It will feed into the national power grid to supply RBM’s smelting and processing facilities through a wheeling agreement.
The renewable power supply is expected to cut RBM’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10 per cent1, or 237kt CO2e per year.
Rio Tinto Minerals Chief Executive Sinead Kaufman said: “The agreement, which is a first step towards reducing RBM’s carbon emissions, is a major milestone and one that is in line with Rio Tinto’s decarbonisation strategy. As this solar energy project progresses, we will continue exploring additional renewable solutions that further reduce our emissions in South Africa and make Richards Bay Minerals a contributor to our net zero commitment.”
Voltalia CEO Sébastien Clerc said: "We are very pleased to support RBM in its decarbonisation journey. The Bolobedu photovoltaic power plant will be our biggest project in Africa, after performing construction of a series of other solar plants for us or for clients, in the continent (Zimbabwe, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritania and Egypt). This project is the first of our South African large solar-and-wind portfolio under development, in areas with grid connection available, that will be ready to support our clients to overpass the actual energy crisis with affordable, clean and stable electricity."
Voltalia will work to ensure the Bolobedu Solar PV project creates local employment opportunities for the surrounding communities. A total workforce of more than 700 people is expected during construction, with a workforce of around 50 people once the plant becomes operational.
The project will also provide skills development opportunities for members of the surrounding communities, and a bursary programme for young local learners. In support of South Africa’s growing renewable energy sector value chain, Voltalia will work to source its goods and services locally.
The Bolobedu Solar PV power plant will be 51% black-owned through BEE partners, with a minimum 10% stake going to black women, while the host community will also have a participation.
Latest News
Rio Tinto provides Iron Ore update following Tropical Cyclone Sean
(Posted on 24/01/25)Tropical Cyclone Sean delivered record rain along parts of the Pilbara coastline of Western Australia... Read more
Rio Tinto shows greater consistency across key operations
(Posted on 19/01/25)Rio Tinto has released fourth quarter production results. Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: &ldquo... Read more
Trafigura publishes 2024 Sustainability Report
(Posted on 19/01/25)Trafigura Group Pte Ltd. has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting the Group’... Read more
NGFA comments on US East and Gulf Coast port labour deal
(Posted on 10/01/25)The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have... Read more
Vitol completes acquisition of Noble Resources
(Posted on 07/01/25)Further to the announcement of 2nd August 2024, Vitol B.V. has now completed the acquisition of... Read more
Rio Tinto progresses development of Quebec gallium extraction process
(Posted on 17/12/24)As part of a research and development programme, Rio Tinto is assessing the potential for extracting... Read more
Trafigura publishes 2024 Annual Results
(Posted on 17/12/24)Trafigura Group Pte Ltd, a market leader in the global commodities industry, has released results for... Read more
Anglo American completes Serpentina premium iron ore transaction
(Posted on 11/12/24)Anglo American plc has announced the completion of the transaction to combine the Serra da Serpentina... Read more
BHP Group Investor Relations Officer appointed
(Posted on 11/12/24)BHP has appointed Mark Bendall as Group Investor Relations Officer, effective 1 April 2025.Mr Bendall... Read more
Fertilizers Europe welcomes EU Members requests for tariffs on Russian fertilizers
(Posted on 04/12/24)Fertilizers Europe, the voice of the European fertilizer industry, has welcomed and fully supports the... Read more
