The World Bank has approved funding for Botswana's first grid-side battery energy storage system (BESS), which will have an output of 50MW and a storage capacity of 200MWh.
Where is the largest solar project in Botswana?
“As we reach another milestone in our renewable energy journey in Botswana, we are now looking forward to starting construction of the largest solar project in the country,” said Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog. The plant will be located near Mmadinare, close to the former mining town of Selebi-Phikwe, 400 kilometres north-east of the capital Gaborone.
How will a solar power plant benefit Botswana?
The solar power plant will ensure that approximately 48,000 tons of CO2 emissions will be avoided and power approximately 20,000 households annually. Botswana has launched its first utility scale grid connected solar project which is expected to help meet the country's electricity demand.
Botswana has launched its first utility scale grid-connected solar project which is expected to help the country meet its electricity demand. Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi at the launch of the first phase of the solar project. Image Source: Botswana Power Corporation (BPC)/X.
For utility scale grid-connected solar plants, which include Mmadinare and Jwaneng, Masisi said a mandatory requirement of 40% shareholding by citizen owned companies was provided. Botswana is rich in natural resources and has vast solar energy potential, receiving more than 3,200 hours of sunshine per year.
Image Source: Botswana Power Corporation (BPC)/X. Botswana has launched the first phase of a solar project expected to be delivered by next year. Last week, Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, launched the construction work of Phase 1 of the Mmadinare 100MW Solar Cluster.
Is Botswana a good country for solar energy?
Botswana is rich in natural resources and has vast solar energy potential, receiving more than 3,200 hours of sunshine per year. The country's Vision 2036 calls for 50% renewable energy allocation by 2036.