UB launches largest commercial solar plant
The University of Botswana is setting up a six-megawatt photovoltaic power plant that is expected to slash its monthly electricity bill of P3.6 million, BusinessWeek has established.
In a partnership with the Sustainable Energy Botswana – Sturdee Consortium, the $6 million (P78 million) project will greatly reduce the University’s current reliance on grid electricity and help it move into the green energy arena.
The solar power plant, the country’s largest commercial plant thus far, will not only supply a large proportion of the daytime electricity requirements of the University, but it will also channel any overproduction into clean energy for the national grid.
Speaking at a launch on Wednesday, officials said the power plant would be built on land within the University’s Gaborone Main Campus. Due to start in the second quarter of 2023, construction is estimated to take about six months and will be rolled out as a design, build, finance, operate, and maintain model.
UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, said the project will provide a unique opportunity for university students to learn about renewable energy.
“Training and capacity development has already started to ensure local participation in the design and construction phase,” he said.
“Training opportunities have already been uncovered with several UB engineering students, both women and men, targeted to gain experience through projects undertaken by the consortium members in Botswana.” In addition, he said the UB will offer green and modern power generation with the possibility of even selling to the Botswana Power Corporation.
Botswana’s existing Paris Agreement commitment is to reduce carbon emissions by 15% by 2030, and the signing of the new agreement will support the implementation of that promise made to the world, other officials said. Sustainable Energy Botswana comprises two local citizen companies, African Sun Energy and B&H Electrical while Sturdee Energy Southern Africa is an international independent power producer with an established local presence.