Botswana soon to get its first grid-connected solar plants
Botswana, Gaborone: Two new project –– Bobonong (3 MW) and Shakawe (1 MW) will be seeing the light of day with the signing of power purchase agreements.
Image source: ESI Africa
Botswana, Gaborone: Two new project –– Bobonong (3 MW) and Shakawe (1 MW) will be seeing the light of day with the signing of power purchase agreements.
The state-owned utility Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is signing the PPAs for a term of 25 years, marking a milestone in Botswana’s clean energy commitments as its seeks to reduce its carbon emission and reliance on fossil fuel generated electricity.
Monya Bassingthwaighte, Principal at responsAbility said they are excited to support Sturdee Energy and BPC to implement the first-of-their kind projects in Botswana. “We hope this first small step will be demonstrative and help pave the road for future projects of this nature in the country.”
The equity provider is independent power producer Sturdee Energy, having taken part in a competitive tender for grid-tied solar projects issued by BPC. Sturdee Energy has committed to local content requirements such as hiring local labour and services in the project execution as well as ongoing operations.
The solar assets will be financed on a nonrecourse project finance basis via two special purpose vehicles in Botswana. Both projects are already under construction and should reach commercial operations by the end of 2022.
Sturdee Energy head of ESG Monique Jordaan said responsAbility has been integral to the projects’ success through its impact investment approach and for the way it has understood the challenges facing the financing of smaller projects in Africa.
Source: ESI Africa
#Botswana#Botswana Power Corporation#clean energy#grid-connected solar projects#responsAbility#Sturdee Energy