Botswana, Sturdee Ink Solar Power Deal

Key Figures & Findings: Sturdee Energy, a South African renewable energy developer, has commenced construction of a 3 MW solar power station in Bobonong, eastern Botswana. This marks one of the country’s first private-sector-led renewable energy projects and forms part of a dual-project award granted in 2019, which also includes a 1 MW facility in Shakawe. Under a 25-year power purchase agreement, all electricity generated will be sold to the state-owned Botswana Power Corporation (BPC). 

Statistics & Insights: The Bobonong plant is expected to generate 8.5 GWh annually, feeding power through a 7.5 km, 66 kV overhead transmission line to a nearby BPC substation. This follows BPC’s recent signing of three additional PPAs (4 MW each) for solar plants in Lobatse, Maun, and Gantsi.

Future Implications: If completed as planned, the project could be operational by 2026, helping Botswana scale clean energy access and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Additional sites—including a 50 MW solar proposal in Selebi-Phikwe—could follow suit pending regulatory approval.