Release, a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, has signed a seven-year leasing agreement with Tshukudu Metals Botswana, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sandfire Resources. Sandfire Resources is a prominent Australian mining company with operations across Africa and Australia. The agreement covers the development of a 21 MW solar power plant at the Motheo Copper Operations in Botswana.
According to Release, this agreement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing expansion of its mining portfolio in Africa. It also builds upon Scatec’s established presence and successful track record in Botswana, highlighted by the commissioning of its 120 MW solar portfolio in the country.
The new solar project will supply clean, renewable energy to Sandfire’s Motheo copper mine, directly supporting the company’s decarbonisation goals and commitment to sustainable operations, Release noted.
Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO of Release, commented: “This agreement demonstrates the strength of our lease-to-own solution, where we combine technical expertise with flexible financing to enable our clients to access large-scale solar without upfront capital investment. Bringing this solution to Botswana for the first time and in partnership with mining operation Motheo, is a major milestone for our company.”
This project could serve as a model for other mining operations in Africa seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to sustainable energy sources. By highlighting the feasibility and benefits of integrating large-scale solar power into mining operations, the agreement may encourage broader adoption of renewable energy across the sector.
Release will now proceed with project implementation, with operations expected to commence by the end of 2026. Once operational, the plant is projected to generate approximately 40 GWh annually, which will cover about 30% of Motheo’s yearly electricity needs. Future updates will continue to highlight operational milestones and environmental impact assessments as the project progresses.
