Rio Tinto subsidiary RBM has signed a 20-year agreement with African Clean Energy Developments (Pty) Ltd (ACED), The IDEAS Fund, Reatile Group, and Rand Merchant Bank to secure 140MW of wind power capacity. The project, located in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces, aims to produce around 460GWh of energy per year. EIMS Africa will manage the project’s assets.
This project will enhance RBM’s energy security by reducing its dependence on traditional energy sources by 26%. In South Africa, the renewable energies sector is attracting many private players, as demonstrated by the cooperation between EDF and Nordex on a wind turbine installation project.
Complementary projects and impact on operations
In 2022, Rio Tinto ‘s subsidiary had already signed a similar agreement with Voltalia for the Bolobedu solar power plant in Limpopo. This 300 GWh per year project should cover 17% of RBM’s energy consumption. Together, the Khangela Emoyeni wind and Bolobedu solar projects will supply around 42% of RBM’s current energy needs.
These initiatives also provide opportunities for job creation, skills development and knowledge transfer to the surrounding local communities, both during the construction and operational phases of the projects.
James Cumming, Chief Executive Officer of ACED, expressed his satisfaction at the financial success and start of construction of the Khangela Emoyeni wind farm, pointing out that the project will not only help supply energy to RBM, but will also help alleviate South Africa’s energy crisis.
RBM’s investments in diversified energy sources illustrate a clear commitment to more secure and stable production, contributing significantly to the stability of its operations.
