06 Mar 2016

In an effort to mitigate power demand, Sechaba Natural Resources Company is conducting a feasibility study to investigate the potential for commercial solar photovoltaic development in the North West District (NWD). 

The study comes after the government floated an expression of interest to construct, operate, maintain and decommission at the end of its economic life, a scalable solar power plant to meet future electricity demands. 

The study by Sechaba, a subsidiary of Shumba energy, entails the assessment of solar technology, the project site, designs for the lines and substations and studies to verify the technical viability of the different design options.

The proposed solar power stations are expected to be implemented in Toteng, Mawana, Phuduhudu and Xhanio. All the sites would be near existing electrical infrastructure.

Briefing the North West District council meeting on the proposed projects, company official, Mr Comfort Molosiwa explained that the project, which is estimated to cost P1.2 billion, aimed to address power shortage in the district.

He said power generation was critical to ensure power supply stability, adding that Botswana has been depending too much on neighbouring countries.

Mr Molosiwa appealed for support and assistance from councillors in securing more land as the projects need 300 hectares of land. He said efforts to apply for land at Toteng had been unsuccessful.

 He noted that the projects were of national interest as they would sustainable economic and social benefits. Ends