Why is the solar PV subsector important in Botswana?

The solar PV subsector is of particular importance within the broader renewable energy policy, owing to Botswana’s tremendous potential for solar energy utilization. There are extensive areas where solar energy projects can be developed, including in the rural areas or large-scale solar farms.

What is Botswana's energy policy?

Botswana’s energy policy is anchored on three key aspects – increasing access to electricity through the Rural Electrification Project, security, and stabilization of the power supply, and onboarding Independent Power Producers, especially within the Solar PV sector (BPC 2020).

Can Botswana generate enough solar power?

With an annual Direct Normal Irradiation of 3000 kWh/m 2 /a, Botswana has a huge potential to generate enough solar power to meet its domestic demand and export to neighboring countries (International Trade Administration 2021). Overall, the country gets more than 3200 hours of sunshine per year.

What is the Botswana Power Corporation doing?

The Botswana Power Corporation is undertaking key projects that will expand the power grid and stabilize the power supply. The BPC has laid out coherent plans to improve access to electricity and to diversify the energy mix.

How much power does Botswana need?

Taking a deeper look at historical power generation figures, Botswana’s annual generation has plateaued around the 3700–4000 GWh range. For the long-term target, the government has set a target of 1.5 GW of new capacity by 2040 (Reuters 2021). Botswana has ample domestic resources capable of meeting the power demand.

Is there a solar plant in Botswana?

While no major commercial solar operations are undertaken in Botswana, there is a 1.3 MW Phakalane Solar Plant operated by the Solar Projects Section of the BPC (2020). The plant was constructed in 2012 by the Japanese government through the JICA agency (Sunday Standard 2012).