Botswana is set to build a 100MW solar plant in bid to increase its use of renewable energy. The country’s head of state President Mokgweetsi Masisi attended the contract and witnessed China Water and Electric Development Co. and local investors tasked with the development.
Construction of the energy plant will begin operations by the second quarter of 2026 and is valued at approximately US $78.3M. It will be the country’s second utility-scale renewables facility.
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Shift from coal
In addition to this new solar project, Scatec ASA is constructing a similar-sized solar plant in the northeast of the country, with the initial 60MW expected to come online this year. The government is also in the process of finalizing the procurement of a 200MW concentrated solar-thermal power plant and an additional 100MW solar facility.
To further support these initiatives, Botswana is collaborating with the World Bank on the development of two 50MW battery-storage systems. These storage systems are intended to complement the solar projects in Jwaneng and the Scatec project, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of Botswana’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Despite its sunny climate, Botswana’s electricity generation has traditionally relied heavily on coal, with renewables contributing only about 2% of the total energy mix. However, the government is making a concerted effort to shift this balance. The revised Integrated Resource Programme aims to achieve 50% renewable energy by 2036.
