Shumba Coal plans 200MW solar plant
Thursday, July 02, 2015
The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) Listed coal junior on Tuesday released an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) public notice for the Photo Voltaic project, which will include an initial 100MW power plant, with a plan to increase to 200MW. “The project will include an initial installation of 400,000 PV panels within an area of 200 hectares,” reads the notice.
The power station is expected to supply upcoming copper mines in the Kalahari copper belt, which are currently not connected to the national grid.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...