What is the power sector in Botswana?

Revised in April 2025, this map provides a detailed view of the power sector in Botswana. The locations of power generation facilities that are operating, under construction or planned are shown by type – including liquid fuels, gas and liquid fuels, coal, hybrid, hydroelectricity and solar.

Does Botswana have a commitment to solar energy?

The commitment to solar energy is evident in the policies and frameworks that support the development of renewable projects. By integrating solar power into the national energy strategy, Botswana aims to foster a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

What is integrated energy planning in Botswana?

Integrated Energy Planning and developing an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) are an integral part of the energy planning process in Botswana as guided by its 11th National Development Plans (NDP 11) and other sector policies and ambitions. In the energy sector, the NDP 11 focuses on increasing self-reliance on the country’s energy resources.

How is electricity generated in Botswana?

Currently, in Botswana electricity is primarily generated from domestic coal resources. Apart from coal-bed methane, there are no proven reserves of other possible fossil fuel resources for energy generation like natural gas or oil. Botswana has large coal reserves, estimated to be in excess of 200 billion tons.

How many coal-fired power plants are there in Botswana?

Besides the two coal-fired power plants, currently there are two other significant diesel-fuelled power plants in operation. The first is Orapa with a capacity of 90 MW. The second is Matshelagabedi, a diesel power plant with an installed capacity of 72.54 MW. In line with Botswana’s NDP 11 two new renewable energy projects were identified.

Is Botswana implementing energy projects based on the IRP model?

Approved IRP Projects In line with the IRP model results, Government of Botswana has approved and is implementing energy projects with a total installed capacity of 795MW (see Table 5) required to meet the growing energy demand at least cost whilst also reducing the country’s carbon foot print.