BPC sets ambitious goal of 1.5GW in renewable energy expansion

Botswana is navigating a deliberate transformation of its energy landscape, with solar power emerging as a cornerstone in the quest for dependable and sustainable electricity. Guided by the Botswana National Energy Policy and the Integrated Resource Plan, the government is determined to meet the country’s growing electricity demand while underpinning economic growth and honoring climate commitments. Central to this effort is the state-owned Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), which has relied heavily on collaborations with Independent Power Producers to introduce new solar capacity.

Speaking withWeekendPost, BPC spokesperson Kefilwe Kebafetotse highlighted the commissioning of two new plants in 2026: the 100-megawatt Mmadinare Solar Power Plant and the 4-megawatt Gantsi Solar Plant. She hailed these developments as “significant milestones” in Botswana’s renewable energy journey. These additions build upon earlier grid-connected solar projects in Phakalane, Shakawe, and Bobonong, forming what BPC describes as an expanding foundation of clean energy feeding into the national grid.

The 2026 Budget Speech by Finance Minister and Vice President Ndaba Gaolatlhe underscored a renewed commitment to renewable energy. The government emphasizes that reliable, competitively priced electricity is vital for attracting investment, fostering industrialization, and enhancing public services. The budget outlines increased funding for energy infrastructure, incentives to spur private sector investment in power generation, and support for innovation in clean technologies.

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Officials assert that renewables will play a critical role in reducing electricity imports, stabilizing supply, and gradually lowering carbon emissions. Solar power is strategically positioned to complement Botswana’s existing coal-fired stations, which remain essential for providing baseload electricity and maintaining grid stability, especially during nighttime or periods of low solar generation. According to BPC, integrating photovoltaic technology enables more efficient system operation while bolstering energy security.

Looking ahead, the utility plans to deploy battery storage and advanced grid management systems to smooth supply fluctuations and extend solar’s contribution beyond daylight hours. The Integrated Resource Plan identifies opportunities for further utility-scale solar projects, rooftop installations for commercial and industrial users, and hybrid systems combining solar generation with energy storage. The government has reaffirmed its target of delivering 1.5 gigawatts of additional renewable capacity by the first quarter of 2027.

Among the projects being fast-tracked are 100-megawatt solar plants in Jwaneng and Letlhakane. Partnerships involving government bodies, private investors, and regional entities such as the Southern African Power Pool are viewed as pivotal in accelerating deployment and decreasing reliance on imported electricity. Officials emphasize that this program aims not only to bolster energy security but also to generate employment and support long-term economic diversification.

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