Botswana’s national power utility recently ended a two-week period of nationwide load shedding. The decision followed the successful restoration of a key generating unit at the Morupule B power plant, which had experienced multiple forced outages earlier this month.
Morupule B Unit Improves Supply
The recovery of the Morupule B unit has significantly strengthened the country’s baseload electricity supply. A company spokesperson indicated that the improved generation capacity is expected to contribute to a more stable power supply for consumers. However, the spokesperson also cautioned that the supply remains somewhat fragile, and unforeseen generation dips could still lead to controlled outages to maintain grid stability.
Government Unveils Energy Sector Turnaround Plan
This development coincides with the government’s announcement of a comprehensive turnaround plan for Botswana’s energy sector. The President confirmed an upcoming agreement with a consortium of private investors. This partnership aims to overhaul the existing energy system, including upgrades to Morupule B, reconfiguration of Morupule A, and modernization of the transmission network.
Towards Energy Self-Sufficiency and Regional Export
Botswana’s ambitions for the power sector extend to transforming the nation into an energy self-sufficient nation. This strategy seeks to reduce reliance on costly electricity imports from South Africa. The plan also includes extending the operational life of Morupule A, initially slated for decommissioning in 2027, by up to 15 years through new investments.
A modernized national grid could further position Botswana as a regional energy exporter. By connecting to the Southern African Power Pool, the country could potentially supply surplus electricity to markets like Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This could free up substantial funds currently spent on imports, redirecting an estimated P3 billion towards local development initiatives.
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