Govt starts solar projects in 12 districts
The adjudication process for 10 solar projects being rolled out across Botswana will soon be finalised and tender calls made.
Already, the Shakawe and Bobonong tenders have been awarded while the remaining areas, which include Selibe Phikwe, Jwaneng, Maun, Mahalapye, Gaborone and others will be started, with intention to meet the scheduled commercial operation of August 2022 for the total 12 solar power stations.
According to the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security Lefoko Moagi, all the solar power stations will have a combined power capacity of 35 MW. Minister Moagi recently told media that the projects are expected to meet Botswana’s energy needs and take advantage of the solar access the country has.
“We hope that these projects will produce at least 35 megawatts of solar in total. We have spearheaded efforts to tap into the abundant solar access that we have in our land, and we are confident that our efforts will bear fruit.”
Moagi said Botswana wants to wean itself off energy imports and also develop largescale projects that would make it a major energy export hub. He also indicated that the combined solar projects would in the next few years bring together a collective capacity of 610 MW.
Botswana has since 2016, engaged stakeholders in consultations on how to roll- out the solar plan for the country, and there is finally light at the end of the tunnel, as slow progress is made to meet a large percentage of the country’s energy needs and diversify sources of energy production.
All the above projects are aligned with the Energy Policy, and fall under a 20- year Resource Plan for Botswana that was approved last year, which among other goals, stipulates the ambitious plan to meet and surpass Botswana’s energy demand, which stands at 600 MW. Government has also set out tenders for the establishment of a 200 MW solar power plant that is expected to be completed in 2026. A coal- fired power station is also on the cards, and is expected to be completed in 2025.
The Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security has also approved and established other projects to set up solar, gas and coal energy projects, in col
laboration with different private stakeholders.
The latest major project was signed last month April where Botswana signed a Memorandum of Intent with the United States, for the construction of a 5GW solar power complex here and in Namibia.
The “Mega Solar” project is envisioned to be the biggest in the world, when it comes to fruition.
The goal of the power plant project is to cater to local demand in both countries, and provide additional power using solar photovoltaic and concentrated solar power.
US Ambassador to Namibia is quoted as having told media during the launch that if the project is realised, it could transform both countries to be the world’s most significant producers of power, “enough to begin exporting renewable energy to the southern Africa region”.