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Botswana is urgently seeking to secure a new power supply agreement with South Africa as a deepening energy crisis, exacerbated by spiraling import costs, threatens to plunge the nation into prolonged blackouts. The government is also launching a major renewable energy tender in a bid to diversify its energy mix.
This week, high-level talks are scheduled between Botswana government officials and South Africa’s electricity ministry, following a dramatic surge in import costs from Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility. The crisis has been compounded by persistent breakdowns at Botswana’s primary power plant, the 600-megawatt Morupule B facility, resulting in rolling blackouts lasting up to four hours.
Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo revealed to lawmakers that Eskom’s significantly increased tariffs have pushed Botswana’s debt to the South African utility to a staggering 2.6 billion pula ($189.5 million). Eskom is reportedly pressing for immediate settlement ahead of the crucial discussions slated for Thursday.
In a move to alleviate the immediate crisis, Botswana is seeking to secure 200 megawatts of additional supply from South Africa. Simultaneously, the government is launching a tender for 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy on Friday, signaling a long-term commitment to diversifying its energy sources.
The government is also formulating a rescue plan for the struggling Botswana Power Corporation, which includes debt restructuring, in an attempt to stabilize the nation’s energy sector.
Botswana’s current peak demand stands at approximately 640 megawatts, with generation coming from a single operational unit at Morupule B, supplemented by diesel-powered plants and a recently commissioned 50-megawatt solar installation.
The reliance on Eskom, coupled with the escalating costs, has placed immense strain on Botswana’s finances and highlighted the urgent need for a sustainable and diversified energy strategy.
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