Why is Botswana transforming its energy sector?

The government of Botswana is therefore bound to adopt cleaner options of energy production to meet the increased local demand. This calls for a transformation of the energy sector from reliance on coal to an increase in energy generation from other renewable sources, such as solar energy.

How is energy used in Botswana?

Total energy supply (TES) includes all the energy produced in or imported to a country, minus that which is exported or stored. It represents all the energy required to supply end users in the country.

Does Botswana have a good electricity supply?

According to Statistics Botswana, local electricity generation and distribution has showed a slight improvement, increasing by 10.2 percent from 807,943 MWh during the fourth quarter of 2022 to 890,655 MWh during the first quarter of 2023. The increase was attributable to the performance improvement of Morupule A and B power stations.

How much solar energy does Botswana use?

Botswana has tremendous potential for solar energy utilization, with an annual Direct Normal Irradiation equivalent of 3,000 kWh/m²/a in most parts of the country, with an average insolation on a horizontal surface of 21 MJ/ m².

Where does Botswana get its power?

In 2023, BPC agreed to procure up to 600 MW of power generation from a yet-to-be-built coal-fired power station. Additionally, Botswana imports the bulk of its power from South African utility Eskom, and the rest from Nampower (Namibia), Zesco (Zambia), and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), to make up for any production shortfalls.

How to drive energy sector transition in Botswana?

Deliberate action by the government to support this move through policies and financing as is done with other government priorities (e.g., poverty eradication) is required to drive energy sector transition in Botswana.