24 Jul 2024

Solar energy is a promising renewable energy source offering a clean and sustainable solution to growing energy needs of all, especially rural communities.

Giving a keynote address at the inaugural US-Botswana workshop on research technologies in water and energy needs for remote austere communities in Maun recently, director of the Department of Energy, Mr Midas Sekgabo said the need for mindset change with regard to renewable energy was necessary. 

Besides reducing greenhouse gas emissions, he said solar energy provided a reliable and affordable source of electricity particularly in remote and off-grid areas.

He said the country had been relying on neighbouring countries for electricity, but acknowledged that government had prioritised both water and energy sectors.

He noted that remarkable strides in addressing water and energy challenges had been made, adding that several initiatives had been made to improve water supply infrastructure, promote water conservation and to invest in renewable energy sources.

Furthermore, Mr Sekgabo said solar energy projects had been particularly successful in harnessing the abundant sunlight to provide clean and sustainable power to remote areas, but that there was still much work to be done.

He noted that government initiated a comprehensive effort in April 2008 to upgrade and extend water and wastewater services throughout the country, highlighting  the rural electrification programme which was expanded on an annual basis. He said government had a target of 100 per cent electricity access by 2030 and that 30 per cent would be renewable energy. 

He noted that a zero connection fee was introduced to facilitate ease of access to electricity and that an integrated plan was approved to guide the transition to 30 per cent renewable energy contribution.

Mr Sekgabo  said some solar projects were being implemented whilst others were under procurement. 

“The intent is for government to invest heavily in the renewable energy sector and position Botswana as a global player in the drive towards clean energy,” he said, adding that government was committed to developing a coherent and integrated approach to water and energy management.

The workshop was informed that the country’s National Development Plan emphasised sustainable practices, investment in innovative technologies and fostering collaborations with international partners.

By working together, Mr Sekgabo said they could develop strategies that balanced energy demand and supply with environmental goals to ensure a sustainable future for all.

He said the outcomes of the workshop would have a direct impact on Maun and enhance its resilience as well as ensuring a brighter future for its residents.

Botswana, he said was a water scarce country and that it was exacerbated by climate change and increased demand while the energy sector relied on fossil fuels which posed environmental and sustainability challenges.

He said the theme of the workshop resonated with their mission of ensuring a reliable, sustainable and affordable energy for all Batswana, which was simply called ‘security of energy supply’.

By focusing on research and innovation, he said they aimed to develop solutions that addressed local challenges and contributed to global progress. Ends