Lucara Botswana Issues EOI for Solar PV Plant Project
staff writer | Monday June 15, 2026 10:37
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)
WORKS CONTRACT FOR THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE 30MWP
SOLAR PV PLANT AT LUCARA BOTSWANA; LUCBOTS/PROC/TENDERS/2026/054
Background
Lucara Botswana is a diamond mining company operating Karowe Mine located 20km out of Letlhakane, and the
Corporate and Sales office is based in Gaborone at the Diamond Technology Park in Block 8 Industrial. It is 100% owned
by a Canadian company, Lucara Diamond Corp, listed on the TSX, Swedish Stock Exchange, and the BSE. Karowe mine,
the state-of-the-art mine fully commissioned in Q2 2012, is a large-scale asset with tonnage and throughput upside.
It is one of the world’s foremost producers of large, high-quality, Type IIA diamonds in excess of 10.8 carats. Lucara
Botswana has embarked on an underground project to enable the mine to continue operating until 2040.
Introduction
Lucara Botswana, is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs)
from suitably qualified and experienced Independent
Power Producers (IPPs) and renewable energy developers
to develop a 30MWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power
Plant for the supply of electricity to the Karowe Mine.
The successful developer will be responsible for the
financing, construction, operation and maintenance of
the facility under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement
(PPA). The mine currently relies on conventional grid
electricity and/or diesel generation to support mining
and processing operations.
Objectives
The purpose of this project is to evaluate and develop
a commercially viable Solar Power Purchase Agreement
(PPA) solution that can provide the mine with a more
cost-competitive, reliable, and sustainable electricity
supply alternative to conventional utility power. Through
this initiative, the mine seeks to:
• Reduce exposure to rising electricity tariffs and
energy price volatility.
• Improve long-term energy cost predictability and
operational efficiency.
• Enhance energy security and supply reliability.
• Support the mine’s ESG and decarbonization
commitments.
• Explore renewable energy solutions capable
of delivering long-term commercial value and
sustainability benefits.
Project Overview
In line with the company’s Environmental, Social and
Governance (ESG) strategy and long-term business
objectives. The mine intends to develop a 30 MWp
Solar PV Plant on approximately 20–30 hectares of
available land through a Power Purchase Agreement
(PPA) arrangement. The project may be implemented in
two phases: (i) 20 MWp Solar PV (grid-tied) and (ii) an
additional 10 MWp Solar PV integrated with a 20 MW
BESS. The expected Commercial Operation Date (COD)
is 2027/2028, and the plant will operate in a grid-tied/
hybrid configuration.
• Relevant project experience and proven track
record in designing, financing, constructing, owning
and operating utility-scale solar PV projects above
20 MW (project references from past and current
clients).
• Financial strength capability to undertake projects
of similar size, submit audited financial statements
for the last three years as well as funding strategy.
•
Proposed development execution approach and
methodology.
• Organizational structure and key personnel with
relevant certifications of professional bodies, ECSA,
ERB etc.
• Local content and community development
commitments.
• Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality
performance.
Shortlisting Outcome
The purpose of this Expression of Interest (EOI) is to
identify respondents with the requisite capability,
experience, and capacity to undertake the project. The
evaluation outcomes will be used solely to develop a
shortlist of vendors who may be invited to participate
in a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) or formal
tender process. Lucara Botswana reserves the right, at its
sole discretion, to accept or reject any EOI submission,
shortlist or not shortlist any respondent, and amend,
suspend, or cancel the EOI process at any time without
incurring any obligation or liability to respondents.
EOI Submission
Tenderers are required to submit one original and one
copy clearly marked “EOI WORKS CONTRACT FOR THE
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE 30MWP SOLAR
PV PLANT AT LUCARA BOTSWANA; LUCBOTS/PROC/
TENDERS/2026/054’’to:
The Procurement
Tender Box, Lucara Botswana, Karowe Diamond Mine
Letlhakane office Raffles Complex,
Mokgobelele Ward Plot 12602, Steinberg Road
Interested bidders are invited to submit the following
documentation for evaluation and pre-qualification.
The submitted information will be used to determine
eligibility for participation in the subsequent stages of
the procurement process.
• Company profile (In case of Joint Ventures, provide
JV agreements signed by commissioner of Oaths).
• CIPA Registration documents and Valid Tax
Clearance.
The closing date for the receipt of tender submissions
shall be 10th July 2026 at 12:30 pm. Tenders received
after the closing date and time shall not be considered.
Enquiries relating to this tender must be addressed to
the Strategic Sourcing & Contract Specialist at:
Kmotsumi@lucarabotswana.co.bw.
Submission of Expression of Interest should not be taken
as a guarantee for inclusion on the shortlist. Lucara
Botswana shall not be bound to engage any respondent
or obliged to give reasons for shortlisting or non-
shortlisting any respondent.
Enquiries relating to this EOI shall be emailed by Friday, 3rd July 2026, to Kmotsumi@lucarabotswana.co.bw