How will a solar power plant benefit Botswana?

The solar power plant will ensure that approximately 48,000 tons of CO 2 emissions will be avoided and power approximately 20,000 households annually. Botswana is rich in natural resources and has vast solar energy potential, receiving over 3,200 hours of sunshine per year.

Can solar irradiation generate electricity in Botswana?

It is clear that Botswana has large areas that are subject to high-intensity solar irradiation that can be used to generate electricity. In an earlier post, I noted that annual electricity consumption for Botswana in 2014 was ~ 4000 gigawatt hours/year (GWh/y) (one GWh is equal to one million kWh).

Where are the best areas for high solar irradiation in Botswana?

The Botswana map shows that the best areas for high solar insolation lie in the western and northern parts of the country, particularly the Ghanzi and Maun areas. It is clear that Botswana has large areas that are subject to high-intensity solar irradiation that can be used to generate electricity.

Does Botswana have a good energy resource?

However, Botswana has another very important energy resource that is presently poorly utilized: that of sunlight. Anyone who spends even just a little time in Botswana always marvels at the sunshine and the long days of clear skies that roll one into the next for weeks at a time.