๐๐๐ง๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ & ๐ช๐๐ก๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐๐ง๐ฆ ๐ข๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ & ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ณ Botswana is on track to achieve an electricity surplus by 2026, according to Minister of Minerals and Energy Lefoko Moagi. During a site visit to the Letlhakane Solar and Wind Projects last week, Minister Moagi provided updates on the progress and potential impact of these initiatives. The projects, which include a 100MW Solar PV plant and a 100MW Wind farm, are set to contribute significantly to Botswana's energy surplus and position the country as a net exporter of electricity. Minister Moagi emphasized that Botswana is in discussions with regional partners, including Namibia, to sell the excess energy. Moagi urged the project managers to accelerate the timelines, noting that the process should not be overly complicated given the experience with existing solar projects in Jwaneng and Mmadinare. "Speed is of the essence while also adhering to documented processes," he said. He also highlighted that increasing the wattage of these projects will support Botswanaโs goal of reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and by 50% by 2036. The 100MW Wind project is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2027, with procurement set to start in 2025 following wind resource mapping. Mukani Thapelo, Project Manager at PEDU, reported that the current wind speed is 7 meters per second. The wind farm's first coordinate point is located 12 kilometers from the Debswana substation along Mmatshumu Road, approximately one kilometer off the main road. The site covers an area of 10 km by 10 km and is considered the richest wind area in the country, a fact corroborated by local residents. Validation of the wind resource data will be conducted by an independent consultant and is expected to take 24 months. Land acquisition for the wind project is ongoing, with coordinates available. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies are also planned. For the 100MW Solar PV project, commercial operations are slated for 2026. The project will cover 195 hectares, with an Independent Power Producer set to sublease land from BPC. Feasibility and EIA studies for this project have already been completed.
-
-
-
-
-
+5
Which company has Botswana Power Corporation awarded a tender to operate a 4 MW solar power plant and PPA in Serowe ? Is it Botala Solar Farrm Pty or Serowe Solar Consortium or Phuthi Solar Farm or Botala Energy ? Thank you. The ASX Announcement by Botala Energy is very unclear about this !
Wind in Botswana is a ridiculous notion. Even in the windiest of regions globally the EROEI is c.1.5 to 1. In Botswana it will be hugely negative. The Minister dreaming of selling excess power is also not realistic. With best capacity factors and efficiency without very expensive BESS added will likely only result in total intermittently despatchable power of 30 to 35Mw combined from the system as described.
Good stuff but wind speeds in Botswana isn't economical to harvest and two years is two long for such feasibility studies. One year is the maximum one can take given how Technology has moved. Botswana should push solar solar solar given its position
Excellent innovative and sustainable energy technology project,very impressive ๐โค๏ธ....
Looking forward to seeing these projects coming to light, excited by the potential value chain spin offs for the local communities, during and post construction.
LeThabo Diamonds -Licensed Diamond Dealer & Mining
3d๐ง๐ผ๐