Botswana fiber optic energy storage power station

Where does Botswana get its power?

In 2023, BPC agreed to procure up to 600 MW of power generation from a yet-to-be-built coal-fired power station. Additionally, Botswana imports the bulk of its power from South African utility Eskom, and the rest from Nampower (Namibia), Zesco (Zambia), and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), to make up for any production shortfalls.

Does Botswana have a good electricity supply?

According to Statistics Botswana, local electricity generation and distribution has showed a slight improvement, increasing by 10.2 percent from 807,943 MWh during the fourth quarter of 2022 to 890,655 MWh during the first quarter of 2023. The increase was attributable to the performance improvement of Morupule A and B power stations.

What are the objectives of a power generation project in Botswana?

The overall project objectives are to (a) expand domestic power generation capacity that will support sustained economic growth in Botswana, and (b) build institutional capacity for sustainable development of the energy sector.

How much solar energy does Botswana use?

Botswana has tremendous potential for solar energy utilization, with an annual Direct Normal Irradiation equivalent of 3,000 kWh/m²/a in most parts of the country, with an average insolation on a horizontal surface of 21 MJ/ m².

How is Botswana strengthening its exporting capacity?

To strengthen Botswana’s exporting capacity, the GoB is investing in national and regional grid infrastructure, as well as refurbishment of general transmission infrastructure. Botswana Power Corporation (BPC)’s rural electrification program is still ongoing, and this covers new connections and expansion in some villages.

How does Botswana maintain its successful development path?

Key to Botswana maintaining its successful development path is the energy sector. Botswana’s energy demand was about 3660 GWh in 2008 (peak load of 500 MW), which is projected to grow at about 6 percent per annum reaching 5300 GWh by 2017 (peak load of 850 MW) and 6890 GWh by 2026 (peak load of 1130 MW).