Botswana’s State-owned power utility has invited bids to build a 100 MW solar power plant to boost energy security in the diamond-rich southern African country.
In a document published on its website, Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) said it expects energy demand to more than double to 1 359 MW by 2035 from around 600 MW.
“BPC would therefore like to engage companies into a joint venture for the development, implementation and operation of a 100 MW solar power plant with suitable storage capacity,” it said.
The development is expected to start two years from the appointment of a preferred partner.
Botswana is facing a power supply deficit and relies on electricity imports from South Africa and Mozambique, though the 300 MW expansion of its coal-fired Morupule B power plant could pave the way to self-sufficiency in electricity generation.
However, the expansion of Morupule B, which currently generates about 260 MW, has been stalled by a dispute over an $800-million guarantee between the contractors and government.
