SHUMBA GETS NOD FOR TATI SOLAR PROJECT
More solar energy projects coming-Matsheka Demand for energy expected to surge
Botswana’s Shumba Energy has received the Environmental Authorisation for the Tati Solar project from the department of environmental affairs in Francistown. The energy exploring and development company owns a 100 mw solar project near the city of Francistown and is currently in the late stage of developing Phase 1, a 50 MW Solar farm on a project site of 300 hectares.
According to a statement, the project is part of a two-phase program to develop the full 100 MW solar capacity of the site as a key strategic initiative in the region. “We are very pleased to have received the Environmental Authorisation as this will allow us to fast track the Tati Solar Project into operation. Given the trying times that our country finds itself in we are keen to do our part to contribute to the economy in a manner that is environmentally friendly, sustainable and contributes to alleviating the region’s severe energy deficit,” said Mashale Phumaphi, the CEO of Shumba.
In Botswana, government now takes solar as an important source of energy away from coal. In his budget speech, Thapelo Matsheka, the finance and development Minister announced that government has lined up a number of solar energy projects. In order to meet the national electricity demand, the government through the newly approved Integrated Resource Plan, will implement projects such as the 100 mw of solar power plants. According to Matsheka, the tender for the above projects is expected in the first quarter of 2021, and commercial operation is scheduled for third quarter of 2022. The solar projects are split into two and will be located in Selebi-Phikwe and Jwaneng.
Government is also hoping to deliver the 12 Grid-tied Solar Photovoltaic of total 35 mw by next year. The tender for the projects is expected during the first and second quarters of 2021, and commercial operation is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2022. “These projects will be at Kasane, Molepolole, Tutume, Ghanzi, Tsabong, Maun, Serowe, Bobonong, Shakawe, Lobatse, Mamuno and Kang,” announced Matsheka.
We are very pleased to have received the Environmental Authorisation as this will allow us to fast track the Tati Solar Project into operation.