24 Nov 2021

Renewable energy usage in Botswana is estimated at a measly 2.4 per cent attributable to  high upfront costs for solar equipment and lack of trained personnel.

Responding to a BOPA questionnaire, Department of Energy’s principal engineer, Mr James Molenga said prohibitive costs and unavailability of requisite skills were some of the main challenges facing promotion of renewable energy.

He said people mostly used solar energy for lighting, powering small appliances and water pumping. Uptake of solar water heating was the lowest, he said.

“We do not have bigger projects that supply BPC,” he stated.

On biogas, Mr Molenga stated that government was piloting 200 biogas plants in the southern and south eastern parts of Botswana.

According to this year’s International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) renewables readiness assessment report, Botswana presents considerable opportunities for solar energy and biomass sources. 

The report says if utilised to full capacity, the untapped renewable resources have the potential to reduce the country’s dependency on fossil-based energy tremendously.

It says utilisation of the resources will also enhance the country’s energy security, address issues of climate change, increase access to modern energy services and local economic development. 

“The development of renewable energies can enable Botswana to meet rising power demand, reduce dependency on power imports, diversify generation and energy supply portfolios, mitigate climate change and increase access to reliable, clean energy to alleviate poverty as well as stimulate and drive economic development,” it says. 

The report notes that Botswana has very high rate of solar irradiation, making solar energy a promising renewable energy source in the country.

Botswana’s irradiation levels are similar to those in California, which is among the world’s most competitive solar markets.

ends