11 Apr 2021

Mmadinare MP, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi has welcomed the Energy Policy as presented in Parliament on Thursday saying it was vital in economic growth and investment promotion.

Debating the policy, MP Molebatsi however said the policy was passed by events as it covered coal reserves while the world had moved towards renewable energy.

He said emphasis should be on clean energy and clean technologies but said this however did not mean the country should totally abandon its coal projects.

MP Molebatsi said the private sector should be driving research and innovation in the energy sector rather than the government doing everything. He said Batswana should be encouraged to venture into the energy sector and be provided with necessary support. Kgalagadi South MP Mr Sam Brooks also said youths should be supported with funding from Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency for them to establish businesses in the energy sector and they could supply Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) instead of importing power from neighbouring countries.

Serowe North MP Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe said Botswana enjoyed abundant solar energy, which the country should focus on. He said learners should be taught about solar energy from an early age.

Tati East MP Dr Douglas Letsholathebe who is also the Minister for Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology said more research was needed in order for Botswana to produce its own solar panels which were conducive to the local weather conditions. He further said it was important to undertake research on power storage in case there were problems in energy generation.

MP Letsholathebe further said fuel storage would cushion Batswana from fluctuating international fuel prices. He also called for coal beneficiation saying it should not be used to produce energy only.

MP Kagiso Mmusi of Gabane-Mmankgodi said it was important for the national electricity grid to be of high quality to ensure all consumers were provided with energy. He further said the energy sources, solar, wind and thermal, should be mixed in case there was a problem with one of the sources.

MP Mmusi said the petroleum industry could create jobs but was concerned because the sector was dominated by foreigners.

He said only the youths should be allowed to open fuel stations adding that no one should be allowed to own more than two or three stations. ENDS