Botswana has taken a major step in its energy transition, awarding a $78.3 million contract to the Sinotswana Green Energy consortium to construct a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Jwaneng. The power purchase agreement was officially signed on August 12, 2024, in a ceremony attended by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s push towards clean energy.
The consortium is spearheaded by China Harbour Engineering Company and includes partners China International Water & Electric Corporation and the local New Energy Company Proprietary Limited. This project, slated for completion by the second quarter of 2026, will become the country’s second utility-scale solar facility and is a critical component of Botswana’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio, which is currently dominated by coal.
How a Chinese Group Wins Botswana’s 100 MW Solar Plant Contract
This development is central to Botswana’s revised Integrated Resource Programme, which sets an ambitious target of generating 50% of its total electricity demand from renewable energy sources by 2036. Presently, renewables contribute just 2% to the national grid. The Jwaneng plant joins other key initiatives, including a 100 MW solar project by Scatec ASA that began construction in March and is expected to bring its first 60 MW online by the end of 2024. The government is also advancing procurement for a 200 MW concentrated solar-thermal power plant and another 100 MW solar project.
International Support and Grid Modernization
To support this rapid expansion of intermittent power sources, Botswana is collaborating with the World Bank on the Renewable Energy Support and Access Accelerator (RESA) Project. This initiative, approved in July 2024, marks the World Bank’s first lending operation for renewable energy in the country. It includes financing for crucial grid investments and two 50 MW battery storage systems to stabilize the network and integrate power from the Jwaneng and Scatec projects.
The RESA project is backed by an $88 million loan from the World Bank, complemented by a $30 million loan and a $4 million grant from the Green Climate Fund. An additional $3.5 million grant will fund technical assistance for solar, wind, and storage initiatives. Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi, stated that this support is essential for harnessing Botswana’s abundant renewable resources to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future.
Satu Kahkonen, World Bank Country Director for Botswana, reiterated the institution’s commitment, confirming ongoing financial and technical assistance to help the nation achieve its clean energy goals. The Jwaneng project is a clear signal of Botswana’s dedication to transforming its energy landscape and establishing itself as a leader in sustainable development in the region’s renewable energy sector.
Sources
- China to Build 100MW Solar Plant in Botswana
- Chinese Consortium Joins Botswana’s Renewable Energy Coterie
- Botswana to launch major solar photovoltaic power project … – Xinhua
- Chinese Consortium to Build 100MW Solar Plant in Botswana
- Botswana Unveils $78M Solar Plant for a Greener Future
- Botswana signs contract for 100 MW solar plant – PV Magazine
- China Harbour signs PPA agreement for Botswana photovoltaic …
- Botswana to launch major solar photovoltaic power project with …
