Release Signs 7-Year Lease Deal For 21 MW Solar Plant At Motheo Copper Mine In Botswana

Release has signed a seven-year leasing agreement with Tshukudu Metals Botswana, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australia-based Sandfire Resources, to develop a 21 MW solar power plant at the Motheo Copper Operations near Ghanzi in Botswana. The agreement marks a significant step in expanding Release’s presence in Africa’s mining sector while supporting clean energy adoption in the region.

The solar project will supply renewable power to Sandfire’s copper mining operations at Motheo. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate around 40 GWh of electricity annually. This will meet approximately 30 percent of the mine’s yearly power demand, helping reduce its reliance on conventional energy sources and lowering carbon emissions.

The agreement also highlights Release’s lease-to-own model, which combines technical expertise with flexible financing options. Under this structure, clients can access large-scale solar solutions without making upfront capital investments. This approach is designed to make renewable energy projects more accessible to industrial customers, particularly in sectors such as mining that require a significant and stable power supply.

Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO of Release, said the agreement demonstrates the strength of the company’s leasing solution. He noted that introducing this model in Botswana for the first time, in partnership with the Motheo mining operation, represents a major milestone for the company. The project reflects Release’s strategy to grow its mining portfolio across Africa by offering tailored renewable energy solutions.

The development also builds on Scatec’s established presence in Botswana. Scatec has already commissioned a 120 MW solar portfolio in the country, creating a strong foundation for further renewable energy investments. The new 21 MW plant at Motheo adds to Botswana’s growing renewable energy capacity and aligns with broader efforts to diversify the country’s energy mix.

Project implementation is set to begin soon, with operations expected to start by the end of 2026. During the implementation phase, Release will oversee the development, construction, and commissioning of the solar plant to ensure it meets performance and reliability standards required by the mining operation.

For Sandfire Resources, the project supports its decarbonisation goals by integrating clean energy into its copper production activities. As global demand for responsibly sourced minerals increases, renewable energy projects such as this play an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of mining operations.

The agreement reflects a broader trend of mining companies in Africa turning to solar energy to improve energy security, manage costs, and meet sustainability targets, while contributing to the region’s renewable energy growth.