Release seals deal for 21MW solar park at Botswana solar power’s Motheo Copper Mine
In a significant move towards sustainable mining, Australian company Sandfire Resources has announced that its Botswana-based subsidiary, Release Pty Ltd, has finalized a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a 21-megawatt (MW) solar park at the Motheo Copper Mine. This development, confirmed in a recent announcement, marks a pivotal step in reducing the mine’s carbon footprint and operational costs, while supporting Botswana’s national renewable energy ambitions.
The Landmark Power Agreement for Botswana solar power
The newly sealed deal paves the way for the construction and operation of a 21MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant located in the Boteti District. Under the long-term PPA, Release Pty Ltd will act as the off-taker, purchasing the clean energy generated to power the Motheo mine’s operations.
This solar park is projected to supply approximately 40-50% of the mine’s daytime electricity needs, significantly lessening its dependence on Botswana’s traditionally diesel-heavy national grid. The project timeline is set on a clear path forward, with financial close anticipated in the second quarter of 2026. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2026, targeting commercial operations by late 2027.
Driving Economic and Environmental Gains with Botswana solar power
The strategic importance of this project is multifaceted, offering substantial benefits for both Sandfire Resources and the nation of Botswana.
Economic Impact: The integration of solar power is expected to slash the Motheo mine’s operational costs by an estimated 15-20%. This is achieved by substituting higher-cost grid power (around $0.12+/kWh) with more affordable solar energy (estimated at $0.04-$0.06/kWh). These savings are crucial as the mine, which produced 40,000 tonnes of copper cathode in 2025, plans to expand its output to 60,000 tonnes by 2028. The project will also stimulate local employment, creating over 200 jobs during the construction phase and around 20 permanent roles once operational.
Sustainability Goals: For Sandfire Resources, the solar park is a key component of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Motheo mine currently generates approximately 150,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually; this project is forecast to reduce those emissions by 20-30%. Furthermore, the initiative aligns perfectly with Botswana’s Vision 2036, which aims for a 30% renewable energy share in the country’s energy mix.
A Growing Trend in African Mining: Botswana solar power
The Motheo solar project is not happening in a vacuum. It reflects a broader industry pivot across Africa’s resource-rich regions, where mining companies are increasingly turning to hybrid energy solutions to ensure stable, cost-effective, and sustainable power. Leveraging Botswana’s high solar irradiation with over 2,500 annual sunshine hours, the project capitalizes on a key natural advantage.
This move follows successful precedents set by other major mining operations, such as the 34MW solar farm at the Dugald River mine in Australia and the 32MW plant at the Kansanshi mine in Zambia, both of which have demonstrated energy cost savings exceeding 25%. According to a 2025 Wood Mackenzie report, there is a pipeline of over 500MW of solar projects planned across Africa’s copper belts, highlighting a definitive shift in the sector’s energy strategy.
By securing this PPA, Sandfire Resources not only enhances the long-term viability of its flagship Motheo Copper Mine but also sets a powerful example for the future of sustainable mining in Africa.
For further details, interested parties can refer to Sandfire Resources’ investor updates and filings on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:SFR).
