News flash
- AAAS energy and Kgalagadi Resources Development Company (Pty) Ltd. t/a Solar Power have reached financial close on three solar power projects in Botswana, located in Charles Hill, Kasane, and Maun.
- With a combined capacity of 11MWp and a value of USD 7.8m, these projects mark a major step toward a greener energy future of the region.
Backed by a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with BOTSWANA POWER CORPORATION, the three projects will deliver clean, stable electricity to the national grid and the Botswana families for decades to come.
Expected commercial operation date is Q1 2026.
Botswana relies on the coal fired 600 MW Morupule B facility to meet its energy demand of around 640WM but the power station regularly incurs breakdowns, causing blackouts in the country. Imports from South Africa’s state-owned power company fills the shortfall, but Eskom has raised tariffs significantly since facing their own energy crisis.
Speaking to lawmakers recently, Botswana’s Energy Minister, Bogolo Kenewendo, said that Botswana’s debt to Eskom has risen to P2.6-billion.
Kenewendo also confirmed that Botswana will be issuing a tender for 1.5 GW renewable energy capacity on Friday and that her government is working on a rescue plan for the Botswana Power Corporation that involves debt restructuring.
Read more on renewable energy projects in Botswana HERE
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
