Botswana Aims to Become Net Exporter of Electricity by 2026

Strategic Insights -

By 2026, Botswana plans to be a net exporter of electricity, with plans underway to increase local power generation and reduce dependence on imports. Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security Lefoko Maxwell Moagi revealed in Parliament that the country's total national power consumption hovers around 600 megawatts annually, with Morupule A producing 100 megawatts, Morupule B around 250 megawatts, and 150 megawatts from Eskom. However, with the development of massive renewable energy projects, Botswana aims to meet rising power demand, reduce dependency on power imports, and stimulate economic development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Botswana's total national power consumption is around 600 megawatts annually.
  • Morupule A produces 100 megawatts, Morupule B around 250 megawatts, and Botswana gets 150 megawatts from Eskom.
  • By 2026, Botswana plans to be a net exporter of electricity, with a target of 15% contribution of renewable energy to the electricity mix and 100% electricity availability.
  • The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a 20-year roadmap for power generation, taking into account different technologies for power generation, including solar, wind, and coal bed methane.
  • The IRP has identified several projects for implementation, including 2X50 MW Solar Photovoltaic projects, 12 grid-tied small-scale Solar PV projects, and a 100 MW Coal Bed Methane project.
  • The Rooftop Solar Programme, launched in 2020, aims to create an environment for end-users to generate their own electricity and sell excess to Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).
  • The programme has received 90 applications, with 37 awarded and 33 disqualified.
  • The Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security has taken a deliberate decision to have all renewable energy projects implemented by Independent Power Producers.
  • The private companies are expected to sign Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with BPC to sell electricity.

Statistics:

  • 600 megawatts: Botswana's total national power consumption annually.
  • 100 megawatts: Morupule A's power production.
  • 250 megawatts: Morupule B's power production.
  • 150 megawatts: Power imported from Eskom annually.
  • 15%: Target contribution of renewable energy to the electricity mix.
  • 100%: Target electricity availability by 2030.
  • 2026: Year Botswana plans to become a net exporter of electricity.
  • 12 months: Capped system-wide aggregate capacity of the Rooftop Solar Programme.
  • 90: Number of applications received for the Rooftop Solar Programme.
  • 37: Number of applications awarded for the Rooftop Solar Programme.
  • 33: Number of applications disqualified for the Rooftop Solar Programme.
  • 2020: Year the Rooftop Solar Programme was launched.
  • 2021: Year the 200MW Concentrated Solar Project (CSP) is expected to be procured.
  • 2022: Year the 2X50 MW Solar Photovoltaic projects are expected to be in commercial operation.
  • 2023: Year the expected increase in local generation is expected to significantly reduce electricity imports.
  • 2030: Year Botswana aims to achieve 100% electricity availability.

Sources:

  • "Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security Lefoko Maxwell Moagi Statement to Parliament." [Source: Mmegi Online, Wednesday, Parliament on Wednesday]
  • Botswana's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) [Source: Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security]
  • Botswana's National Development Plan 11 and 12 [Source: Government of Botswana]
  • Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) [Source: BERA]
  • Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act [Source: Government of Botswana]