The launch of the Shakawe 1 MW Solar PV Plant this week marked one of Botswana Power Corporation (BPC)’s key milestones in the delivery of its Corporate Strategy (Maduo 2026) which aims to secure a Sustainable Energy system through diversification of sources of electricity.
The plant becomes the second solar PV plants delivered by Sturdee Energy, an African independent power producer after the Bobonong 3 MW solar power plant.
Sturdee Energy was awarded the tender by BPC to construct these 2 solar PV plants and sell electricity to the corporation under 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The Shakawe plant was among the first to be delivered from the twelve small-scale grid-tied solar PV projects with a combined capacity of 36MW which the Government mandated BPC to procure.
The project was unfortunately delayed between 2020 and 2021 due to movement restrictions which were imposed to curb the spread of Covid 19 global pandemic.
The project contributes over 8,000 MWH of renewable energy per annum to the energy mix, thus decreasing the reliance on fossil fuels, expensive imports and avoiding losses associated with transmission of power over long distances.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi was gratified that the successful commercial operation of this second small scale solar photovoltaic project is yet another significant milestone in the country’s energy transition journey. This he added confirms their commitment to implement renewable energy projects in their Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
Sharing progress and the status of renewable energy projects which Government is undertaking in accordance with the IRP, the minister noted that Phase 1 of the first utility scale solar PV project is under construction in Mmadinare to supply 50 megawatts of renewable energy in January 2025.
“Good progress is being made to secure an additional 50MW from the Mmadinare solar PV project to give a total of 100MW from the Mmadinare Solar Cluster by October 2025,” the minister added.
He further revealed that the second utility scale solar PV project of 100MW to be constructed in Jwaneng is at financing stage with an anticipated commercial operation by December 2025.
Additionally, Moagi indicated that PPAs for 8 small scale grid-tied solar PV projects with a combined capacity of 26MW were signed between BPC and 6 citizen owned companies. The projects he noted are at financing stage and commercial operation is scheduled for December 2025.
“My Ministry is in the final procurement stage for a 200-megawatt concentrating solar plant to be located in Maun and a 100-megawatt solar PV plant to be located in Letlhakane. Commercial operation of these power plants is expected by end of 2026.”
He added, “A bankable feasibility study for 100 megawatts of wind generation was completed and preparatory works for project implementation are in progress.”
Regarding battery energy storage, the minister indicated that a total of 50 megawatts will be installed by end of 2026, 25 megawatts in Mmadinare and the other 25 megawatts in Jwaneng. This investment is being supported by the World Bank.
The Shakawe solar PV project created 284 temporary jobs for citizens during the construction period but currently employs 12 Citizens as it is in the operation phase.
