BPC secures deal for solar power supply
Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has taken another step further to achieve its energy mix by concluding Power Purchase Agreements (PPAS) with yet another Independent Power Producer (IPP), Akuo Energy.
The PPAS are for the purchase and supply from three sites being Ghanzi, Lobatse and Maun, with a total capacity of 12 Megawatts (MW).
When speaking during the signing of the agreement, BPC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David Kgoboko, said these projects will be developed by Akou Energy, in partnership with a citizen-owned company called Folosha Investments.
The Solar Photovoltaic (PV) plants are expected to be in commercial operation by the end of next year with the duration of each PPA being 25 years.
“We have made a commitment as a country to reduce energy-related emissions in line with the Paris Agreement and COP26 commitments,” explained Kgoboko.
It is hoped the Solar PV plants will improve security and reliability of energy supply, improve energy mix to reduce Botswana’s carbon footprint as well as promote the participation of the locals in the economic growth and development of energy projects.
The latest agreement comes on the background of BPC signing another PPA with Tlou Energy, which will provide 10MW to the national grid through its Lesedi project using Coal Bed Methane (CBM).
And now, Kgoboko says, these are happier times at the state-owned utility company.
“These are exciting times for BPC, and we couldn’t be readier to play a pivotal role of off-taking power from IPPS thereby supporting government’s efforts to liberalise the electricity supply industry,” declared Kgoboko.
Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Green Technology and Energy Security, Nchena Mothebe, said the signing of the PPAS between BPC and Akuo Energy is a noteworthy milestone in a drive to transition to a sustainable energy mix.
“Government, through the National Energy Policy (NEP), intents to guide the management and development of Botswana’s energy sector for the period from 2020 to 2040, especially the penetration of new and renewable energy sources and to attain energy self-sufficiency as well as increased energy security,” said Mothebe.
According to Mothebe, since the establishment of Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) in 2017, there has been a substantial private sector interest in the electricity supply industry.