04 Nov 2020

Businesses have been encouraged to study, prepare and be ready for  implementation of the recently-approved Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) due for publication this month.

  Speaking at the launch of the Rooftop Solar Programme in Gaborone on November 3, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Lefoko Moagi said government had prioritised  consideration of citizen-owned companies in rolling out the plan. 

He however stressed that the process would be subjected to compliance with laid down criteria.

  Mr Moagi the plan would guide and inform the national power generation build programme from now until 2040.

  He said the plan, together with the Rooftop Solar Programme, would enable the formation of a robust and vibrant renewable energy industry in Botswana.

  The initiatives would facilitate the growth of large-scale, low cost renewable energy and improve energy reliability as well as satisfy national and possibly regional demand for electricity, he said.

   Minister Moagi said through the programme, there would be sizeable investments in renewable energy.

He revealed that the ministry was undertaking other parallel initiatives to exploit the abundant solar resource and increase renewable energy contribution in the total supply.   

“These include the ongoing procurement of independent power producers to develop, own and operate two 50MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants and 12 grid-tied solar PV plants,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Mr Nchena Mothebe said Botswana’s Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan, encouraged shifting to “greener” forms of energy production and consumption methods to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and ameliorate global warming.

About the Rooftop Solar Programme,  Mr Mothebe said it was tested at Botho University as its solar facility had met Botswana Regulatory Authority licensing criteria.

He said the programme was  developed with United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) support.  

US ambassador to Botswana, Mr Craig Cloud said his  government provided technical assistance to Botswana on the ambitious programme that would contribute electricity to the national power grid. 

The initiative would enable rural communities to generate their own electricity, he said.ends