Voltalia, BEE partners strike deal to supply solar power to Richards Bay Minerals

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has partnered with Voltalia and BEE to implement a solar power supply solution for their operations. The initiative is part of RBM's carbon abatement program, aligning with Rio's ambitious goal to reduce scope one and scope two emissions by 50% by 2030. This partnership marks a significant step towards meeting these targets and embracing renewable energy sources. Bradley Reddy, GM of Growth Strategy at Richards Bay Minerals, shed light on the structured solution developed in collaboration with Rio and consultants to establish a pipeline of projects aimed at achieving their sustainability goals. The project, which has been in the works for over a year, is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 15% by 2025. By the end of 2024, RBM aims to have projects online to meet their carbon abatement targets. The solar energy projects in the pipeline, including the 100 megawatt plant, are projected to contribute to a 10% reduction in RBM's baseline targets, amounting to approximately 237,000 tons of CO2 emission reductions. Reddy emphasized the importance of these projects in not only mitigating carbon emissions but also in adopting sustainable technologies to drive down costs. Expanding beyond South Africa, RBM envisions a continent-wide rollout of their sustainability initiatives. Partnering with Voltalia, who has a presence in 20 countries across Europe, Latin America, and Africa, RBM aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies and best practices to reduce their carbon footprint. This collaboration marks Voltalia's first major project in Africa, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainable development in the region. In addressing the human element of the transition, RBM is also focused on creating employment opportunities and supporting the communities around their operations. The solar power project is expected to generate around 700 jobs during the construction phase and employ approximately 50 individuals once the plant is operational. Additionally, RBM is dedicated to providing skill development, bursaries, and other socio-economic benefits to the local communities, ensuring a positive impact beyond environmental sustainability. The partnership between RBM, Voltalia, and BEE represents a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainability that encompasses environmental, social, and economic considerations. As industries increasingly shift towards greener practices, collaborations like these serve as a blueprint for a more sustainable future.