Release Signs 7-Year Deal To Build 21 MW Solar Plant Supplying 30% Of Power For Sandfire’s Motheo Copper Mine In Botswana By 2026

Release has signed a 7-year leasing agreement with Tshukudu Metals Botswana, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australia-based Sandfire Resources, to deliver a 21 MW solar power plant for the Motheo Copper Operations near Ghanzi, Botswana. This agreement marks a significant step in the expansion of Release’s mining-sector portfolio across Africa.

It also builds on Scatec’s established presence in the country, following the successful commissioning of its 120 MW solar projects in Botswana. Through this new partnership, Release will supply clean, renewable power to Sandfire’s Motheo copper operation and help advance the company’s decarbonisation goals.

Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO of Release, said the project highlights the strength of the company’s lease-to-own model, which allows mining and industrial clients to access large-scale solar power without major upfront capital commitments. He added that introducing this solution in Botswana for the first time—especially for a major mining operation—represents an important milestone for the company’s growth in the region.

Release will now move into the implementation phase, with the solar plant expected to begin operations by the end of 2026. Once online, the facility is projected to generate around 40 GWh of electricity annually, supplying roughly 30% of Motheo’s total energy needs and supporting a more sustainable and cost-effective mine operation.