Who regulates the electricity sector in Botswana?

The Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security (MMGE) leads the electricity sector through the Department of Energy, while the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) is tasked with regulating the sector by guaranteeing a competitive environment.

What is Botswana's energy policy?

A prominent objective of the Policy is to achieve a substantive penetration of new and renewable energy sources in the country’s energy mix; the goal is to attain adequate economic energy self-suficiency and security, as well as positioning Botswana to fulfil its vision in becoming a regional net exporter, especially in the electricity sector.

How much energy is available for supply in Botswana?

In Botswana, energy available for supply increased by 6% (132 GWh) on average over the years. Although a steady increase in energy available for supply has been noted, Botswana does not meet all its requirements which are evidenced by constant blackouts that the country is currently facing.

Does Botswana need a regulatory framework?

Progress is required in strengthening the regulatory framework; the National Energy Policy (Government of Botswana, 2020b) launched in December 2020 take into account new developments in the energy space. In December 2020, the Department of Energy launched an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for electricity.

Does Botswana have an Integrated Resource Plan?

Botswana has also issued an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for electricity generation over the next 20 years, covering renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic, wind, concentrated solar thermal, and batteries for energy storage.

Does Botswana need a new power station?

Botswana currently depends largely on imports for its electricity supply which poses energy security instabilities. Considering the proposal for a new power station it is worth determining whether the country's energy demand would be met taking into account the losses in efficiencies as years go by.