Will a 100 MW solar plant be built in Botswana?

State-owned Botswana Power Corp. has signed a power purchase agreement with a consortium of Chinese enterprises and other companies to construct a 100 MW solar plant in southern Botswana. The project is expected to start generation by the end of 2025.

What is the role of solar energy in development in Botswana?

Role of solar energy in development in Botswana 181 Water Affairs (MMRWA), which is responsible for all energy matters in the country, is actively engaged in assessing the potential of and paving the path for a larger use of solar and other renewable energies.

Does Botswana have solar energy?

Botswana has abundant solar energy resources, receiving over 3,200 hours of sunshine per year with an average insulation on a horizontal surface of 21MJ/m2, one of the highest rates of insulation in the world. It is essential to take advantage of the abundance of this resource.

How will solar power plants be financed in Botswana?

The solar power plants are estimated to be financed by BWP 936 million (USD 68 million) of non-recourse project debt and equity from Scatec. Financing for the first 60 MW will be provided by the Rand Merchant Bank in Botswana and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Where will a solar power plant be located in Gaborone?

The plant will be located near Mmadinare, close to the former mining town of Selebi-Phikwe, 400 kilometres Northeast of capital Gaborone. The solar power plant will ensure that approximately 48,000 tons of CO 2 emissions will be avoided and power approximately 20,000 households annually.

Which solar still is best suited for Botswana?

After years of research and development activities, the RIIC findings concluded that the Mexican and brick solar stills are the best suited for application in Botswana. The Mexican still consists of a moulded fibreglass basin of 1.6 m2 base area to hold saline water and has gutters on two sides to collect the distillate.