Solarcentury, ENRC partner on 100 MW solar project in Botswana

Points clés à retenir

Despite its abundant sunshine, with 3,200 hours of sunshine per year, Botswana currently generates only a small fraction of its electricity from solar power, relying heavily on its vast coal reserves. In 2020, solar energy accounted for just 0.26% of the country's electricity generation, with only 6 megawatts (MW) of installed solar capacity out of a total of 890 MW of energy capacity. Coal dominates the energy mix, making up 99% of the total energy generated. Recognizing the need for a shift towards renewable energy sources, Botswana is adjusting its policies to attract investment in solar and other renewables. The government has begun involving the private sector in building new solar capacity, and in 2022, it inaugurated its first-ever utility-scale solar plant. Additionally, Botswana's Integrated Renewable Energy Plan, initially published in late 2020 and revised in 2022, sets ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption. The plan aims for renewables to constitute at least 30% of the energy mix by 2030 and 50% by 2036.