More darkness looms for Botswana in 2017

Brian Benza
Staff Writer | Friday June 25, 2010 00:00

 

.After ignoring a 1998 white paper issued by Eskom warning of a looming power supply crisis, beginning 2008, Botswana was hit by the shortages that are not expected to abate until the end of 2012 when the 600MW Morupule B Power Station becomes fully operational.

At the Energy Pitso in Gaborone this week, it emerged that a second power gap is expected in the next seven years largely due to expanding economic activities, particularly new mines which are expected to come on stream from next year.

In an effort to try to avoid repeating the same mistake again, the government says as it considers a second Morupule B, it is seriously thinking about input from the private sector through IPPs primarily to service the projected mines.

Said energy minister Ponatshego Kedikilwe at the pitso: 'We are going to experience another power shortfall in about seven years and this time we have to be more pro-active. We are currently considering another 600MW plant at Morupule as well as a 200MW solar station with the assistance of the World Bank.

'On top of that, I haven't totally given up hope yet on Mmamabula, which could also have a significant input. Apart from these initiatives, we will still need private sector participation, especially with regard to the numerous mines that are going to start operations.'

At least three companies are expected to bring three new mines on stream next year, namely, Discovery Metals in Maun, Firestone Diamonds in Tsabong and African Diamonds near Orapa.

In two to three years, some lead and zinc mines are also expected to start operations in north-western Botswana. This is in addition to a Hana Mining project in Ghantsi and African Copper's operations at Dukwi near Francistown. Two new uranium mines should also open in the next few years.Apart from the Mmamabula Energy Project, there are currently no Botswana-focused IPPs other than the 300MW Mookane Power Station. As a result of Botswana's now proven counterproductive procrastination in developing its power resources, the country cannot meet its current power demands because South Africa's Eskom has been scaling down supply gradually since 2008, compelling Botswana to turn to the costly diesel-powered emergency power plants.

The government has funded construction of two diesel power stations - one in Orapa, the other at Matshelagabedi - which will generate 160MW from a diesel consumption rate of 292, 000 litres and 50,000 litres respectively for a maximum of eight hours a day that the power-picking plants should run for.

According to the World Bank, these power-picking plants will cost the government P29 billion (US$4 billion), nearly three times the P11 billion total cost for Morupule B Power Station.