Govt plans to accelerate domestic power production

Government is currently rev iewing the Integrated Resource Plan ( IRP) to accelerate local power generation capacity.

The plan which was launched in December 2020 started in January last year and is aimed at developing local power generation capacity to meet electricity demand over the next 20 years through Solar, Coal Bed Methane ( CBM), Coal, Wind and other green energy technologies.

Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi said currently the IRP is being reviewed to bring forward some of the envisaged projects. “Government continues to promote and support the engagement of Independent Power Producers ( IPPs) as part of its efforts to improve energy security hence the IRP remains an important instrument to guide coordination of IPPs’ investor interests in the electricity generation sector.”

In line with the IRP model results, Government of Botswana has approved and is implementing energy projects with a total installed capacity of 795MW required to meet the growing energy demand at the least cost whilst also reducing the count r y ’ s carbon foot print. These will be implemented during the first seven years of the IRP. Among the key projects includes, 100MW Solar Photovoltaic and total of 35 MV grid tied Solar Photovoltaic which is implemented through Independent Power Producers ( IPPs) as well as 100MW CBM by the year 2025, 200MW Concentrated Solar Plant ( CSP) and a 50MW Wind generated electricity by the year 2027. The projects will be developed through private sector investment as Independent Power Producers ( IPP) or government joint venture investments.

In terms of national electricity coverage, the country stands at more than 78 percent and it is considered that those areas which are inaccessible to the national grid shall be considered for servicing through the solar off- grid programme. Moagi said government will continue to provide financial support to BPC ( tariff support) so that the Corporation meets its commercial obligations in the foreseeable future. “Moving Botswana away from Energy supply dependency to being an energy surplus nation is a national priority, as part of attaining adequate energy supply security.” Currently some of the projects under the IRP already being implemented include development of 2 x 50MW Solar Photovoltaic Power plants in Jwaneng and Selebi- Phikwe; development of 12 Mini- grid tied solar PV with a total generation capacity of 35 MW and an Off- grid solar PV generation plants in areas inaccessible to grid power.

Commercial operation of the 2x50 MW solar PV plants is scheduled to start before the end of financial year 2022/ 23.

Botswana’s total electricity demand currently stands at about 4505 GWH and it is expected to grow up to 8637 GWH by the year 2040. However the current electricity generation from BPCs Morupule A produces 843.35 GWH electricity per annum while Morupule B which is currently under remedial works produces about 2299,5 GWH on annual basis.