06 Dec 2016

Government is giving efforts to transition Botswana from an energy dependent to energy surplus nation through the new Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security.

Delivering State-of-the-Nation Address on Monday (December 5), President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama indicated that the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority, which should become fully operational in the coming financial year, had been established to facilitate further expansion and diversification of the energy sector.

Already, he said, independent power producers were being procured for development of an additional 300MWs by extending Morupule B with units five and six.

“We are also in the process of refurbishing Morupule A plant. Meanwhile, as the existing Morupule B is still undergoing remedial works, our energy supply is being supplemented by the Orapa and Matshelagabedi Diesel Peaking Plants,” he said.

Moving forward, President Khama said, there would be a greater emphasis on the expansion of solar power and other green technologies to meet the country’s energy needs.

In that respect, he said a tender for a 100MW Solar Power Station was being prepared.

“It is worth noting that our increased demand for energy has in part been due to the successful implementation of the National Electricity Standard Connection Programme. As of October 2016, the Programme has enabled 94 727 additional households to connect to the national grid. The total number of electrified households now stands at just over 340 000,” President Khama added. ENDS