Botswana shared energy storage policy

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.

Does Botswana have an Integrated Resource Plan?

Botswana has also issued an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for electricity generation over the next 20 years, covering renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic, wind, concentrated solar thermal, and batteries for energy storage.

What is the storage capacity of strategic reserves in Botswana?

Botswana’s strategic reserves storage is also not yet up to international standard; storage capacity is approximately 18 days compared to the international standard strategic storage capacity of 90 days. Commercial buffer stock stands at less than five days of national consumption compared to the international standard of 14 days cover.

Does Botswana have a waste management policy?

Botswana is also a signatory of the Basel Convention which deals with the control of transboundary movement of hazardous waste and its disposal. Therefore, this policy recognises the need for proper waste disposal from the energy sector as well as handling of hazardous waste within the sector.

How has the energy sector impacted Botswana's Economic Development Prospects?

Botswana has experienced some constraints in the energy sector in recent years, which to some extent have negatively impacted on the country’s economic development prospects. A devastating power supply and demand mismatch was encountered between the years 2008 and 2014, and this breached the country’s power supply security.

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.