29 Nov 2020

Construction of a Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) owned  solar power project has commenced in Gaborone. 

Speaking at the  project ground breaking ceremony recently, DTCB Sustainability Committee Chairperson, Mr Neo Moroka said the objective of the 950 kilowatt photovaltaic plant was to generate clean energy for the company’s facilities as well as to build a technology driven future for the country by championing green technology.

He said the project was in line with the goals of Vision 2036 and the company’s 2030 ‘Building Forever’ sustainable framework, which was dedicated towards the development of a more sustainable future.

Mr Moroka revealed that the plant would be built in two phases, with the first phase being the construction of a 350 kWp solar photovoltaic plant, while phase two would be the construction of a 600 kWp solar plant, which would generate sufficient energy to power the DTCB facility during daytime.

He said while global challenges had necessitated the flexibility and agility of the human spirit, they had not slowed down the technological means by which problems were solved, which included enhancements to cleaner energy.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Mmetla Masire said the solar project would go a long way in realising and ensuring energy security for the nation.

Congratulating DTCB for the initiative, he said government had invested in various initiatives geared towards the development of greener forms of energy to ensure that the country attained energy security.

Mr Masire further urged DTCB to continue championing such initiatives, since they were critical to the development of the country.

He said Batswana should also emulate DTCB, as this would be beneficial to the energy needs of the country. 

He revealed that the ministry had also implemented similar projects, which included the successful rooftop solar voltaic project, noting that this momentum should be fostered to ascertain a sustainable future for the planet and generations to come. Ends