Rural electrification has been an important component of the national development agenda for Botswana. However, the high cost of rural grid electrification programmes have been a barrier, with the result that in 2005 approximately 17% of the total rural population had access to grid electricity services, compared to 36% in the urban areas.Current trends in Botswana indicate that 58% of the country’s population had access to electricity in 2012 with a possible 80% by 2016. (Ofetotse & Essah, 2012)
Main policies concerning energy sector are Vision 2016, National energy policy, Botswana Energy Master Plan (1996, reviewed 2003):Target is to reach 80% national power access and 60% rural access by 2016Improved access, security and reliability of energy supply to all sectors of the economy, particularly the low income and marginalized;Effective institutional arrangement and governance for the energy sector;Improved capacity for service delivery for all key stakeholders in the energy delivery chainImproved availability of energy information for policy and planning;Minimized energy related environmental, safety and health impacts;Strengthened energy trade and cooperation for enhanced energy security and reduction in costs;Improved energy efficiency for all energy sources in all sectors for economy, increased security and environmental protection;An effective and sustainable energy research and development program that addresses the country’s energy development priorities;Effective private sector participation and investment at all levels in the energy sector.The National Energy Policy has a target of providing 80% access to the country as a whole and 60% access in rural areas by 2016. It aims at improved access, security, and reliability of energy supply to all sectors of the economy, particularly the low income and marginalized through effective institutional arrangement and service delivery. Botswana’s Vision 2016 recognizes the potential role that solar energy can play in meeting the energy requirements of rural communities not served by the national grid. The Government of Botswana has implemented several strategies to advance the use of renewable energy in Botswana. These include renewable energy feed-in tariffs (REFIT) to encourage greater private sector investment in renewable energy technologies. (Pachauri, R.K., 2013).The Renewable Energy Based Rural Electrification Programme for Botswana (RE Botswana) is a major programme that was implemented under an agreement between the Government of Botswana and Global Environment Facility (GEF) managed by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The objective of the programme is to reduce Botswana’s energy related carbon dioxide (emissions and promoting renewable and low greenhouse gas (technologies as a substitute for fossil fuel utilized in rural areas. (Pachauri, R.K., 2013).
Local energy resources considered to be in abundance in Botswana include coal (200 billion tonnes), sunshine (3,200 hrs at 21MJ/m2), biogas (2.2 million cattle, 3 kg dung/LSU/day) and fuel wood (200 tonnes/annum).SolarBotswana has excellent solar conditions, with an average of 320 clear, sunny days per year and an average global irradiation of 21 MJ m-2/day throughout the country.With 3,200 hours of sunshine a year, solar power is seen as a natural solution to the power shortages of the country and region. The pioneering concentrating solar thermal power station project in Jwaneng is at the bankable feasibility study stage (December 2012). The plant would produce 100 MW. The solar thermal power industry is still at an early stage of commercial deployment. The Government is involved in the construction of a 1.3 MW photovoltaic power plant in Phakalane, financed through a Japanese grant of P90 million. The plant was commissioned in 08/2012. It is envisaged that such photovoltaic power plants will eventually be replicated elsewhere in the country.Government continues its non-grid rural electrification scheme using photovoltaic power which was kicked started in 2006 by the Government and the UN. A subsidiary of BPC, BPC Lesedi is offering home solar systems to rural consumers, as well as other off grid and renewable energy solutions such as solar power photovoltaic products, rechargeable lanterns and improved and financial support.Biomass & bioenergyThe Botswana National Development Plan 10 (NDP 10) states that there is potential for biofuel production in Botswana using sweet sorghum and Jatropha as feedstocks. The Government is currently focussing on the production of biodiesel. The draft national energy policy states that by 2020, local production of biodiesel will account for 10% of the supply of diesel in the country. (DL Kgathi, 2012)