"The Chinese company deals with, among others, large renewable energy power plant development services. The meeting explored possible ways [that would] ensure, among others, optimal utilisation of energy resources as espoused by the Limpopo Employment Growth and Development Plan (LEGDP)," said Mabitsela.

Mabitsela said the meeting involved key role-players from the provincial government, Eskom and Chili Capital Management Corporation.

In a statement, Mathale said the province supported national energy efficiency initiatives such as the Solar Water-Heating Programme that President Jacob Zuma launched in April last year.

“We are confident that the programme will offset the rising electric costs for residential households through savings on water-heating and contribute to the reduction of our country’s carbon footprint," said Mathale.