Mmadinare 100MW solar PV plant towards achieving energy security

06 Oct 2024

Mmadinare Solar Cluster project will be the first utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and the largest renewable energy project in the country.

Taking advantage of Botswana’s vast hours of sunshine and the irradiation levels, the project is aimed at harnessing the country’s abundant solar energy through construction of a power plant with a total capacity of 100MW, which will be delivered in two phases.

The first phase to be completed January 2025, is expected to generate 50MW and the other 50MW will be delivered at a later stage, bringing the total to 100MW of clean energy.

The project is developed and owned by Scatec Solar Asa, a Norwegian Independent Power Producer appointed by Botswana Power Corporation through a competitive tender process that the corporation initiated in 2020.

The initiative resulted in a Power Purchase Agreement that was signed between Scatec and BPC on August 31, 2022.

In his address during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sustainable development and leveraging renewable resources to achieve energy security.

It is hoped that Mmadinare solar cluster and other upcoming renewable energy projects will enhance security of supply and meet national electricity demand, thus providing potential for power export to the region.

The project is also in line with the country’s Vision 2036, which envisions a transformed economy through optimal resource utilisation, including clean energy sources.

“Construction of a project of this magnitude in our village is a welcome development because its ripple effect will extend to the community of Mmadinare,” a resident, Mr Golekwang Paakanyo has said.

He said the project had created employment for Mmadinare residents, noting that ‘every day we see buses transporting workers from the village to the project site.’

Employment creation is not the only positive thing that can be said about the project, it has also breathed life into the village because some of its employed have rented houses in the village.

“This project will boost local businesses including the informal sector,” said Mr Paakanyo.

The scope of the project, estimated to cost P1.4bn entails development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the 50MW solar PV plant as well as the construction of a 220KV substation and the associated transmission lines to connect the plant to the national grid.

“We are thankful to the government for choosing Mmadinare as the base for the project,” said former Mmadinare MP, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi in his address during the groundbreaking ceremony.

He said together with other envisaged projects, they would change the lives of Mmadinare residents for the better.

The village is also expecting projects such as construction of a 40km Mmadinare-Robelela road, a mini stadium, a police station and internal roads, among others. End

 

 

Source : BOPA

Author : Kgotsofalang Botsang

Location : Selebi Phikwe

Event : interview

Date : 06 Oct 2024