RE: Botswana will be net exporter of electricity by 202614 Aug 2021 18:07
Integrated Energy Planning and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) are an integral parts of the energy planning process in Botswana as guided by the National Development Plan 11 and other sector policies. The target is to have 15% contribution of the renewable energy to the electricity mix and 100 percent electricity availability by 2030.
“From the beginning of the planning period of 2020, Botswana was relying on electricity imports and I believe that the expected increase in local generation from year 2023, will significantly reduce electricity import. From year 2026, Botswana will be a net exporter of electricity,” Moagi told Parliament.
The IRP has identified a number of projects for implementation over the period from 2020 to 2040, amongst them 2X50 MW Solar Photovoltaic projects located in Selibe Phikwe and Jwaneng.
One site, Selibe Phikwe has been awarded and the power plant for second site (Jwaneng) is under procurement.
These projects will be implemented by the private sector. Both sites are expected to be in commercial operation by December, 2022. Another project is the 12 grid-tied small scale Solar PV projects with a combined capacity of 35 MW, wherein six (6) sites namely Shakawe, Bobonong, Lobatse, Molepolole, Maun and Ghanzi have been awarded and the remaining six (6) sites (Kang, Tsabong, Tutume, Serowe, Charleshill and Kasane are at procurement stage.