Botswana’s President Ian Khama has announced that government is engaged in talks with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to help mitigate the country’s power problems.
President Khama announced earlier this week that government is in the process of securing IPPs to develop an additional 300MW by expanding Morupule B power station with units five and six. When delivering the state of the nation address last week, Khama said transitioning Botswana from an energy dependent country to energy surplus nation was a priority, revealing that a further 300MW plant at a coalfield to be determined will ensure power supply security. Khama said although Morupule B power station is undergoing repairs, the country’s energy supply has been supplemented by Orapa and Matshelagabedi diesel peaking plants.
Khama also noted that while Morupule A is being renovated, the Botswana government is in the process of introducing solar power plants through IPPs.
“In light of our recent frustration with poor delivery of Morupule B and other projects, government is in the process of establishing a Project Management Office to oversee implementation of major energy and water projects,” he said.
President Khama also highlighted that there has been an increase in demand for energy due to the success of the National Electricity Access program, which has resulted in 49, 897 additional households being connected to the national grid since May.
