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A groundbreaking ceremony for Botswana’s first renewable project to be created by an independent power producer in the Sturdee Energy consortium took place recently, marking a significant milestone in the country’s history, according to an official.
The Bobonong 3 MW solar project, located around 450 kilometres northeast of Gaborone, would create power by harvesting solar energy, according to Lefoko Moagi, Botswana’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology, and Energy Security.
“It comes at a time when Botswana is moving toward decarbonizing production of electricity with the aim to save the environment for future generations,” said Moagi, adding that the development is a step towards achieving sustainable economic growth for Botswana.
Once the plant is in commercial operation in July 2022, Moagi said it will be the first-ever independent power producer in Botswana thereby marking the liberalization and introduction of competition into the country’s electricity supply industry.
David Kgoboko, the chief executive officer of BPC, said the transition away from the current hydrocarbon dominated energy mix to a new sustainable mix is gaining momentum in Botswana and is in line with the Paris Agreement and COP 26 requirements.
Through its National Energy Policy, Botswana intends to guide the management and development of Botswana’s energy sector for the period from 2020-2040, especially the penetration of new and renewable energy sources and to attain energy self-sufficiency, increased energy security and ultimately be a net exporter of energy.
