What is the storage capacity of strategic reserves in Botswana?

Botswana’s strategic reserves storage is also not yet up to international standard; storage capacity is approximately 18 days compared to the international standard strategic storage capacity of 90 days. Commercial buffer stock stands at less than five days of national consumption compared to the international standard of 14 days cover.

How has the energy sector impacted Botswana's Economic Development Prospects?

Botswana has experienced some constraints in the energy sector in recent years, which to some extent have negatively impacted on the country’s economic development prospects. A devastating power supply and demand mismatch was encountered between the years 2008 and 2014, and this breached the country’s power supply security.

Can Botswana generate electricity from coal?

However, Botswana has ample renewable energy potential to augment generation from coal. Currently, solar energy contributes insignificantly to electricity generation despite the abundance of the resource. There is also wind and coal bed methane potential which have not been fully explored.

What is the main source of electricity in Botswana?

Coal is the main source of electricity generation in the country, followed by diesel. However, Botswana has ample renewable energy potential to augment generation from coal. Currently, solar energy contributes insignificantly to electricity generation despite the abundance of the resource.

How is Botswana strengthening its exporting capacity?

To strengthen Botswana’s exporting capacity, the GoB is investing in national and regional grid infrastructure, as well as refurbishment of general transmission infrastructure. Botswana Power Corporation (BPC)’s rural electrification program is still ongoing, and this covers new connections and expansion in some villages.

Does Botswana have a guiding instrument for energy development?

Since 1985, Botswana’s energy sector developments have been guided by the Botswana Energy Master Plan (BEMP), which was last reviewed in 2002. Since this last review, developments have progressed without any primary guiding instrument for almost 15 years now.