Botswana wants to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy. The southern African country is launching a call for expressions of interest for the development of a project to build six solar photovoltaic plants. The plants will be built through public-private partnerships (PPPs) involving independent power producers (IPPs) and the state-owned Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).
The Botswana authorities have not provided further details on the project, including the total capacity expected. But IPPs interested in the deal have until March 25th, 2022 to come forward. The implementation of this project is in line with the Botswana government’s goal of increasing the country’s installed capacity to meet domestic demand and reduce electricity imports.
Read also- BOTSWANA: Solarcentury and Shumba to co-develop Tati solar project (100 MWp)
With an installed capacity of 450 MW, Botswana imports an additional 150 MW from South Africa. Power Africa estimates national demand at 550 MW. In its desire for change, Botswana recently received a $1 million grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a financing facility managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The purpose of this support is to facilitate private investment in the renewable energy sector, including off-grid solutions that enable rural electrification.
For more information on the BPC tender, click here.
Jean Marie Takouleu