Construction works on the Mmadinare solar farm project in Botswana has kicked off. Scatec launched the project which is part of the country’s objective of reducing its dependence on neighboring South Africa and Zambia for electricity supply.
The Mmadinare solar farm project is set to have a capacity of 120 MW. It will be developed in two phases near of 60MW each near the town of Mmadinare in the Central District, 405 km north-east of the capital Gaborone.
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Mmadinare solar farm project
The power station is under development by Scatec, a Norwegian independent power producer (IPP). Scatec owns the power station 100 percent. Authorization for the first 60 megawatts of this renewable energy project was awarded in August 2022. Another 60 MW (the 2nd phase) was authorized in the third quarter of 2023.
The investment in the solar power plant, totals US $104M. Through financing from institutions like Rand Merchant Bank and the International Finance Corporation, Scatec has secured the necessary funds to carry out the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction phases. Additionally, Scatec’s commitment to providing operation and maintenance services ensures the long-term viability and reliability of the Mmadinare solar photovoltaic power plant.
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 is rich in natural resources and has vast solar energy potential, receiving over 3,200 hours of sunshine per year. Even though Botswana possesses vast coal resources, the nation’s ambitions to drive a renewable energy transformation is clear to see. The country’s Vision 2036 calls for 50% renewable energy allocation by 2036.
