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A 21MW solar plant is set to power up to 30% of electricity demand at the Motheo Copper Mine, marking a significant clean energy milestone in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt.
Through its 100% Botswana subsidiary, Tshukudu Metals, Sandfire Resources has sealed a deal with Release, a subsidiary of Scatec ASA, to deliver renewable power to its Motheo operation near Gantsi. The agreement positions Motheo among a growing number of African mines integrating utility-scale solar into core processing operations.
The plant is expected to generate approximately 40 GWh annually, reducing reliance on diesel generation and easing exposure to regional grid constraints. Construction commenced in February 2026, with commercial operations targeted before year-end.
Structured under a lease-to-own model, the project enables Sandfire to deploy large-scale solar without heavy upfront capital expenditure. The approach combines flexible financing with modular, re-deployable solar PV and battery systems, lowering barriers to renewable adoption in mining.
“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 Motheo, is a major milestone for our company,” said Hans Olav Kvalvaag, Chief Executive Officer of Release.
During the Botswana Country Showcase at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, Jamie Caratti, Asset President of the Sandfire Resources Motheo Copper Project, confirmed that the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority has approved construction of the solar facility. He added that the company remains in active discussions with Botswana Power Corporation on additional renewable energy initiatives.
Release is jointly owned by Scatec (68%) and Climate Fund Managers (32%) via the Climate Investor One Fund, a blended finance facility focused on renewable infrastructure in emerging markets. Beyond decarbonisation, the Motheo solar project signals a broader shift in Botswana’s mining sector, where energy security, cost stability and ESG performance are becoming as strategic as ore grades.
