Botswana energy storage analysis

What is Botswana's energy potential?

For Botswana, the following technical potentials were identified: Wind (high capacity factor) – 1 152 MW. The least-cost analysis estimated a potential of 199 MW from renewable energy, 139 MW of which in utility-scale projects and 60 MW of-grid. The firm reserve margin would reach 23% in 2030, with zero net imports.

What is Botswana's energy policy?

A prominent objective of the Policy is to achieve a substantive penetration of new and renewable energy sources in the country’s energy mix; the goal is to attain adequate economic energy self-suficiency and security, as well as positioning Botswana to fulfil its vision in becoming a regional net exporter, especially in the electricity sector.

Why is energy important in Botswana?

Energy is recognised globally as essential to the economic development of any country and is considered a key driver for economic growth in the most important sectors of the economy. n.d). The current account balance of Botswana for 2019 shows a service sector at deficit of – 0.7% of the national GDP.

Does Botswana use bioenergy?

Source: Global Atlas (2021). Botswana is endowed with a range of bioenergy resources which could be used for energy production. Wood fuel remains the dominant cooking fuel for rural households, as 42% of the population relies on it (IEA, 2016). In 2009, a usage rate of 53% in rural and 13.1% in urban households was reported (SEforALL, 2012).

How much electricity does Botswana import?

Botswana imported 70 GWh, 127 GWh and 200 GWh of electricity from the Southern African Power Pool in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Energy is recognised globally as essential to the economic development of any country and is considered a key driver for economic growth in the most important sectors of the economy. n.d).

What is capacity building in Botswana?

Capacity building should include capabilities in power system modelling, simulation studies, reserve sizing, flexibility analysis, economic dispatch and VRE forecasting, etc., so that Botswana can identify and address future challenges to the system.