- Botswana Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security (MMGE) launched their Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) in December 2020.
- 300MW of new coal power plus 250MW of coal bed methane gas power is included in their energy capacity plans leading up to 2040 – which has raised many eyebrows.
- Their IRP plan is punted to be in line with the country’s Vision 2036 – Achieving Prosperity for All and the 11th National Development Plan (NDP).
Botswana’s IRP aims to secure 1540 MW of new capacity by 2040. Under the plan, the country will build up to 800 MW of new PV capacity, 200 MW of CSP, 50 MW of wind, 140 GW of battery storage, as well as 300 MW of coal-fired and 250 MW of coal bed methane gas (CBM) capacity. The first gas to energy well was spudded in late 2018. Read more
Image credit: MMGE Botswana
Botswana has a total installed generation capacity of 852 megawatts, with peak daily demand running at about 600 MW. However, the country’s power plants are not efficient and it currently imports 50% of its needs from South Africa and Mozambique. Read more
The new build program will provide “competitive, cost-effective and sustainable electricity prices for industries, services and households,” the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, said in a statement.
Related news: Botswana and Namibia team up for 5000MW solar generation initiative
The IRP allocation to coal and coal methane power appears to form part the Botswana governments mixed messaging campaign on energy. In June 2020, the Botswana government issued generation licences for two new coal fired plants totalling 825MW. Read more
Related news: Drilling for oil and gas has commenced is Botswana’s Okavango Delta
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
