A 100MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power station is to be built in Botswana, with the project expected to start generating electricity at the end of 2025. 

The plant will be constructed in the mining town of Jwaneng.

The Botswana Power Corporation signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) this week with Sinotswana Green Energy, a consortium of Chinese and Botswana companies, to officially launch the project.

The deal entails engineering, procurement, and construction, with operation and maintenance of the Jwaneng 100MW solar PV power station for 25 years.

It falls under the country’s Integrated Resource Plan and is expected to increase its renewable energy use to 50% by 2036.

Solar plant to help renewable energy drive in Botswana

At the PPA signing ceremony, Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi said the signing is a key milestone in the country’s energy transition.

“The initiative is in line with Botswana’s energy policy goal of providing affordable, reliable and adequate supply of energy for sustainable development, as well as improving access to and efficient use of energy resources,” Masisi was quoted by Chinese state media as saying.

He emphasised that the energy transition is imperative for the mitigation of climate change, decarbonisation of the country’s mining industry and to support national ambitions to export energy.

Lan Yuqiang, commercial counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Botswana, told Xinhua that China is willing to share its green energy development experience with Botswana and encourage more Chinese companies to invest in new energy industries.

Sinotswana Green Energy was jointly established by China Habor Engineering Company, China International Water & Electric Corporation, and New Energy Company Proprietary Limited, a Botswana company.

China Habor Engineering Company has the controlling stake.

FAQs on Botswana’s energy sector

What is the main source of energy in Botswana?

Most of the electricity is generated from coal.

Does Botswana import electricity?

Botswana imports power from Eskom, Nampower (Namibia), Zesco (Zambia) and the Southern African Power Pool.

What is Botswana’s energy plan?

Botswana’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) provides a roadmap to achieve reliable, safe and affordable electricity with a target of renewable energy contributing 30% to the energy mix by 2030.

What are the alternative energy sources in Botswana?

The country has considerable unexploited renewable energy potential, especially with solar, wind and bioenergy, says IRENA.