Botswana solar energy storage requirements

How much solar energy does Botswana use?

Botswana has tremendous potential for solar energy utilization, with an annual Direct Normal Irradiation equivalent of 3,000 kWh/m²/a in most parts of the country, with an average insolation on a horizontal surface of 21 MJ/ m².

What is the main source of electricity in Botswana?

Coal is the main source of electricity generation in the country, followed by diesel. However, Botswana has ample renewable energy potential to augment generation from coal. Currently, solar energy contributes insignificantly to electricity generation despite the abundance of the resource.

Can Botswana generate electricity from coal?

However, Botswana has ample renewable energy potential to augment generation from coal. Currently, solar energy contributes insignificantly to electricity generation despite the abundance of the resource. There is also wind and coal bed methane potential which have not been fully explored.

How much electricity does Botswana need?

The current electricity demand stands at 600 MW and is expected to reach 936 MW by 2025. Currently, the installed generation capacity for Botswana stands at 732 MW from coal and 160MW from diesel peaking plants, even though the country is still faced with shortages of electric power.

Does Botswana need a capacity building program?

In order to facilitate an effective development of the energy sector, the government of Botswana is obligated to build the necessary levels of human resource capacity across the board. Various actor groups have varying capacity needs hence capacity building programs should be tailored according to these various needs.

What energy resources does Botswana have?

Botswana has a variety of indigenous energy resources that can be exploited to satisfy the local demand. Amongst these are coal, natural gas (coal bed methane), solar potential, wind potential, biomass potential, and waste.