RBM has announced the signing of its third Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to reduce its carbon footprint and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
Richards Bay Minerals, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Group, has secured the first 230MW of a total 380MW PPA when its energy partner Red Rocket reached financial agreement for one of South Africa’s largest wind farm projects. The agreement will deliver an estimated 750GWh of clean energy annually to RBM, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
Red Rocket is a leading renewable energy independent power producer that has an impressive portfolio of wind farms. Overberg Wind Farm will be developed in two phases, once fully operational, Overberg Wind Farm will be South Africa’s largest privately developed single wind farm, significantly contributing to the country’s energy security. The project is expected to cut RBM’s annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 30%, equivalent to 0.7 million tons of CO2e. Located near Swellendam in the Western Cape, Overberg Wind Farm will operate under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), further demonstrating Red Rocket’s commitment to delivering high-impact renewable energy solutions at scale.
Matteo Brambilla, CEO of Red Rocket, welcomed the partnership with Rio Tinto, stating: “We are proud to collaborate with Richards Bay Minerals on this landmark project. Overberg Wind Farm is a testament to what is possible when ambitious renewable energy targets meet the expertise and drive to bring them to life. As South Africa’s largest privately developed single wind farm, this project highlights the immense potential of private sector-led renewable energy development to reshape the country’s energy landscape.”
“This collaboration with Red Rocket on the Overberg Wind Farm aligns with our long-term sustainability goals and demonstrates our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. As a major consumer of electricity in our region, we are committed to reducing our reliance on coal fired power while making a tangible contribution to the country’s efforts to support the energy transition. This is our largest PPA to date, and we are excited to be a part of this ground-breaking project and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the environment and the community,” says RBM Managing Director, Werner Duvenhage.
Overberg Wind Farm will feature 39 Goldwind 6.2MW turbines, delivering a total installed capacity of 242MW. With commercial operations expected to commence in early 2027, Overberg Wind Farm is more than just another renewable energy project – it is a symbol of South Africa’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future. Through innovation, collaboration, and bold ambition, Red Rocket continues to lead the way in powering a sustainable tomorrow. For more information on Red Rocket, visit: www.redrocket.energy.
About Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Richards Bay Minerals is a world leader in heavy mineral sands extraction and refining. RBM mines the vast mineral rich sands of the northern KwaZulu-Natal province and produces predominantly zircon, rutile, iron and slag – materials used in everything from paint to smart phones to sunscreen.
