Renewable energy producer Voltalia has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to support the integration of sustainable energy solutions into mining operations across the African continent. The initiative targets remote areas, often excluded from conventional power grids, where mining activities remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
A partnership focused on Power-to-Mine projects
The partnership aims to identify and develop Power-to-Mine (PtM) projects combining solar and wind power, battery storage and hybrid systems to reduce the mining sector’s dependence on carbon-intensive energy sources. Voltalia will manage the entire project lifecycle, from design to maintenance, while IFC will provide strategic support in financing and project structuring.
The two partners plan to offer turnkey solutions, including power purchase agreements (PPAs) and infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of mining operators. These projects will initially focus on a selection of African countries, in line with the regional priorities identified by both entities.
A response to off-grid energy demand
Africa holds substantial mineral resources but continues to face limited access to reliable energy, particularly in rural zones. This lack of infrastructure forces many mining companies to rely on costly and polluting diesel generators. The Voltalia-IFC partnership seeks to address this critical need by deploying renewable infrastructure capable of delivering stable power independently of national grids.
Robert Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Voltalia, stated that the alliance will “accelerate the mining sector’s shift to cleaner energy” by leveraging industrial expertise and development-oriented support.
A lever for Mission 300 and mining decarbonisation
This project forms part of Mission 300, a programme backed by the World Bank and African Development Bank aiming to connect 300 million people in Africa to reliable electricity by 2030. It also supports IFC’s broader objectives to promote decentralised renewable energy solutions in high-consumption industries.
Valerie Levkov, Global Director of Energy, Metals & Mining Industries at IFC, indicated that the partnership will introduce technologies with significant economic impact, “bringing both environmental and economic benefits” to the mining sector.
