Botswana is exploring the construction of a new 615-megawatt coal-fired power plant to address persistent electricity generation challenges and ensure a stable energy supply, Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo told the National Assembly on Monday.
The project is being considered as an alternative if ongoing remedial efforts at the existing Morupule B power station fail to meet expectations.
“The country's current electricity consumption is approximately 4,800 gigawatt hours per annum, with a peak demand of 680 megawatts and a base load of 400 megawatts,” Kenewendo said. “Currently, about 65% of our electricity demand is met through local generation, even though this has been quite unstable.”
As part of broader efforts to enhance energy security, Botswana has also begun developing a separate 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Mmamabula, which is expected to be operational by 2027. The government remains engaged in discussions with potential proprietors for the proposed 615-megawatt facility, aiming for implementation within the next 18 to 24 months, the minister revealed.