https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250401/botswana-seeks-to-renegotiate-power-imports-with-south-africa-as-costs-soar-1071387532.html
Botswana Seeks to Renegotiate Power Imports With South Africa as Costs Soar
Botswana Seeks to Renegotiate Power Imports With South Africa as Costs Soar
Sputnik Africa
As of January, the Botswanan government owed about $189.3 million to South Africa's state-owned power company Eskom, which delivers electricity to Botswana... 01.04.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-04-01T19:18+0200
2025-04-01T19:18+0200
2025-04-01T19:18+0200
sub-saharan africa
botswana
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Representatives of the Botswanan government are expected to meet with South African electricity ministry officials on Thursday to renegotiate a new power purchase agreement, Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Kenewendo told parliament on Monday.The electricity import costs per kilowatt-hour increased by 166% in Botswana, she emphasized.Botswana relies on power imports amid persistent problems at its Morupule B power station, stemming from construction flaws and equipment failures, the official noted, adding that while a remedial project is underway, its completion is delayed until 2027. Meanwhile, the government is also pursuing both short-term solutions like securing additional imports and longer-term strategies, including building a new coal plant and investing heavily in solar power to achieve energy independence, Kenewendo said.
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botswana, south africa, southern africa, debt, eskom, electricity, import, prices, power, coal-fired power plant, solar power plant, negotiations, agreement, finance
botswana, south africa, southern africa, debt, eskom, electricity, import, prices, power, coal-fired power plant, solar power plant, negotiations, agreement, finance
Botswana Seeks to Renegotiate Power Imports With South Africa as Costs Soar
Elizaveta Roschina
Writer/Editor
As of January, the Botswanan government owed about $189.3 million to South Africa's state-owned power company Eskom, which delivers electricity to Botswana, the minister of minerals and energy said.
Representatives of the Botswanan government are expected to meet with South African electricity ministry officials on Thursday to renegotiate a new power purchase agreement, Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Kenewendo
told parliament on Monday.
"We hope, that with our deliberations with the Minister of Electricity, starting on Thursday, to renegotiate a new power purchase agreement between Botswana and South Africa, we would achieve reduced rates that will assist us in managing costs," the Botswanan official noted.
The electricity import costs per kilowatt-hour increased by 166% in Botswana, she emphasized.
"We have seen an increase of the cost of importing electricity from South Africa, especially during peak periods. We've seen an increase by 166%, from 85 thebe [$0,062] to 226 thebe [$0.16], and most recently increased to 555 thebe [$0.40]," the minister pointed out.
Botswana relies on power imports amid persistent problems at its Morupule B power station, stemming from construction flaws and equipment failures, the official noted, adding that while a remedial project is underway, its completion is delayed until 2027.
Meanwhile, the government is also pursuing both short-term solutions like securing additional imports and longer-term strategies, including building a new coal plant and investing heavily in solar power to achieve energy independence, Kenewendo said.
