Botswana Launches 500MW Solar + 500MWh Storage Project to Cut Power Imports and Boost Energy Security
Botswana has signed a 30-year power purchase agreement for a 500-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic plant with 500 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery storage in Maun, marking the country’s largest renewable energy project to date.
The agreement was formalised during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by President Duma Boko, who described the project as a shift from planning to implementation in Botswana’s energy sector.
The development is being delivered through a government-to-government partnership with Oman.
Strengthening energy security
The Maun solar project is expected to supply electricity directly to the national grid while using battery storage to retain excess solar power for use during peak demand periods, particularly in the evening.
Botswana has long relied heavily on electricity imports due to limited domestic generation capacity and challenges at key coal plants such as Morupule B.
The government said the new project is designed to reduce this dependence and strengthen energy security.
“This project marks our transition from planning to execution. It is about securing Botswana’s energy future and reducing our dependence on imported electricity,” President Boko said.
Role of battery storage
The inclusion of 500MWh of battery storage is a key feature of the project, allowing solar energy generated during the day to be stored and released when demand is highest.
Officials said this will improve grid stability and address the intermittency challenges common with solar power.
Renewable energy expansion
Botswana aims to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix from about 8% to 50% by 2030.
The Maun project is expected to play a major role in achieving that target by significantly boosting domestic generation capacity.
The government also said improved electricity availability will support industrial growth and reduce pressure on imported power from the Southern African Power Pool.
Part of broader solar pipeline
The Maun development builds on earlier renewable energy projects across Botswana, including solar plants in Selebi-Phikwe, Palapye, and Mmadinare, which are at various stages of development.
Maun was selected due to its high solar potential and growing regional electricity demand. Once completed, the project is expected to be a major contributor to national supply and a key step in diversifying Botswana’s energy mix away from coal and imports.
