Botswana Unveils 500 MW Solar‑PV Plant with 500 MWh Battery Storage in Maun
In a ceremony held in Maun on 14 March 2025, Botswana’s government, together with the Sultanate of Oman and private partners, broke ground on a 500 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility paired with a 500 megawatt‑hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). The project, led by Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) in collaboration with Okavango Solar, represents one of the most ambitious renewable‑energy undertakings in the nation’s history.
Project Scope and Technical Details
The Maun solar‑plus‑storage complex will comprise:
- 500 MW of utility‑scale solar PV arrays, capable of generating roughly 1.2 terawatt‑hours (TWh) of electricity annually under Botswana’s high‑irradiance conditions.
- A 500 MWh lithium‑ion BESS designed to store excess daytime solar output for discharge during evening peak demand (typically 18:00–22:00 local time) and early‑morning hours.
- Advanced grid‑interconnection equipment that will allow the plant to feed directly into the national transmission network, enhancing frequency regulation and voltage support.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Botswana receives more than 3,200 hours of sunshine per year and ranks among the top 10 countries globally for average solar irradiance (≈ 6.5 kWh/m²/day) [1]. This natural advantage underpins the project’s expected capacity factor of roughly 27 % for the PV component, which, when combined with storage, can deliver firm power comparable to a conventional thermal plant.
Strategic Importance for Botswana’s Energy Transition
President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who addressed the gathering, emphasized that the Maun initiative marks a shift from planning to implementation in the country’s revised Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) [2]. The IRP targets a 50 % share of renewable energy in the national electricity mix by 2030, up from the current estimate of ~8 % (dominated by imported coal and diesel generation) [3].
Key benefits highlighted by officials include:
- Energy security: By generating electricity domestically and storing it for peak periods, Botswana reduces reliance on volatile fuel imports and mitigates supply interruptions.
- Grid stability: The BESS provides fast‑frequency response and spinning reserve, helping to balance the intermittency of solar generation.
- Economic development: The project is expected to create approximately 1,200 construction jobs and 150 permanent operations positions, with opportunities for local supplier engagement.
- Regional leadership: Excess generation could be exported to neighboring Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) members, positioning Botswana as a nascent clean‑energy hub.
Implementation Model and Partnerships
The Maun plant will be developed under an Independent Power Producer (IPP) framework. A 30‑year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has been signed between the IPP consortium (led by Okavango Solar) and Botswana Power Corporation, guaranteeing a fixed tariff for the electricity supplied to the grid [4]. This structure transfers construction and operational risk to the private sector while providing the utility with a predictable, long‑term revenue stream.
Okavango Solar brings expertise in large‑scale solar EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) and has previously delivered the 100 MW Mmadinare solar plant, which began commercial operation in late 2023. Botswana Power Corporation contributes its deep knowledge of the national transmission system and regulatory environment, ensuring seamless integration of the new assets.
Broader Context: Ongoing Solar Initiatives
The Maun project builds on progress at two other utility‑scale solar sites:
- Mmadinare: A 100 MW PV plant operational since November 2023, contributing roughly 210 GWh per year.
- Jwaneng: A 100 MW facility nearing full commissioning, expected to add another 210 GWh annually once online.
Together, these three projects will deliver approximately 700 MW of solar capacity, moving Botswana closer to its 2030 renewable target while diversifying the generation mix away from coal‑fired units at Morupule and diesel‑based peaking plants.
Outlook and Next Steps
Construction of the Maun solar‑PV array is slated to commence in Q3 2025, with civil works and module installation expected to span 18 months. Battery installation and grid‑connection testing will follow, targeting commercial operation by early 2028. Throughout the build phase, the project team will adhere to international environmental and social safeguards, including an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) approved by Botswana’s Department of Environmental Affairs.
As Botswana continues to harness its abundant solar resource, the Maun initiative serves as a tangible demonstration of how strategic partnerships, clear policy targets, and proven technologies can combine to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power for the nation and the broader Southern African region.
References
- [1] International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). “Renewable Energy Statistics 2024.” Accessed March 2025. https://www.irena.org/publications/2024/Renewable-Energy-Statistics-2024
- [2] Botswana Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security. “Revised Integrated Resource Plan 2023‑2030.” Government Gazette, Vol. CXLVII, No. 12, 2023.
- [3] Botswana Power Corporation. “Annual Report 2023‑2024.” Section 4.2: Generation Mix.
