Robotswana energy storage wind turbine

Why is Botswana implementing a rooftop solar programme?

The Government of Botswana is implementing its Rooftop Solar Programme to create an environment in which end-users can generate their own electricity and sell any excess to BPC. The Programme is a suitable alternative mechanism to increase the uptake of solar energy and facilitate private sector participation.

What is Botswana's energy potential?

For Botswana, the following technical potentials were identified: Wind (high capacity factor) – 1 152 MW. The least-cost analysis estimated a potential of 199 MW from renewable energy, 139 MW of which in utility-scale projects and 60 MW of-grid. The firm reserve margin would reach 23% in 2030, with zero net imports.

Does Botswana have a hydropower resource?

Botswana has a limited hydrology suitable for power generation, and regularly sufers from severe droughts and floods which make continuous use of large water resources dificult. Today, no hydropower resource has been used in Botswana and small hydropower potential (SHP) is currently estimated at 1 MW (UNIDO, 2016).

How does Botswana generate electricity?

Botswana relies heavily on fossil fuels for its electricity generation, depending on two major coal-fired power plants (Morupule A and B) and a number of diesel plants. Until recently, Botswana relied on electricity imports to meet up to 94% of its demand.

Does Botswana have a good electricity supply?

According to Statistics Botswana, local electricity generation and distribution has showed a slight improvement, increasing by 10.2 percent from 807,943 MWh during the fourth quarter of 2022 to 890,655 MWh during the first quarter of 2023. The increase was attributable to the performance improvement of Morupule A and B power stations.

Does Botswana have a high energy dependency?

Botswana has high energy dependency, as the largest proportion of overall energy consumption is imported, and oil-based products are mainly imported from South Africa (ICA, 2017). As represented in Figure 6, the biofuels and waste category (traditional biomass) is directed towards the residential sector.