Release has secured a seven-year lease agreement with Tshukudu Metals Botswana, a subsidiary of Sandfire Resources, for the construction of a 21 MW solar power facility at the Motheo Copper Operations near Ghanzi. The partnership signals continued momentum for renewable energy integration within Africa’s mining sector.
The planned solar plant will deliver clean electricity directly to the Motheo mine, producing an estimated 40 GWh annually. This output is expected to cover roughly 30% of the site’s total power requirements, reducing dependence on conventional grid or fossil-fuel-based electricity while cutting carbon emissions.
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Large-scale renewable energy systems
A key feature of the project is Release’s lease-to-own structure, which enables clients to implement large-scale renewable energy systems without heavy upfront investment. By blending engineering expertise with flexible financing, the model offers mining companies access to dependable, long-term solar power solutions while preserving capital for core operations.
According to Release’s leadership, the agreement represents an important milestone, particularly as it introduces the company’s leasing framework to Botswana for the first time. The project aligns with Release’s broader objective of expanding renewable energy services across Africa’s resource industry through tailored, site-specific solutions.
The development also builds on Botswana’s growing renewable energy base. Scatec has previously delivered a 120 MW portfolio of solar projects in the country, helping strengthen the foundation for additional clean energy investments. The Motheo installation will further contribute to diversifying Botswana’s energy supply.
Construction is expected to begin soon, with commissioning planned for completion by late 2026. Release will oversee the engineering, construction, and commissioning phases to ensure the plant meets operational and reliability standards required by the mining facility.
For Sandfire Resources, incorporating solar power into its copper operations supports its broader emissions reduction strategy. As international markets increasingly prioritize sustainably produced minerals, renewable energy adoption within mining operations plays an essential role in improving environmental performance and long-term energy security.
Overall, the agreement reflects a wider trend across Africa’s mining industry, where companies are turning to solar energy to manage costs, enhance supply stability, and meet environmental targets while supporting the continent’s renewable energy growth.
