About Botswana Power Corporation (BPC)

BPC owns and operates two coal fired power stations namely Morupule A and Morupule B with installed capacities of 132MW and 600 MW respectively. In addition to the above stated power plants, BPC owns two diesel-based emergency generation facilities, Orapa Turbine Power Plant (90MW) and Matshelagabedi Diesel Power Plant (70MW).

Coal-fired Power Stations: BPC owns and operates two coal-fired power stations: Morupule A, with an installed capacity of 132 MW, and Morupule B, with a capacity of 600 MW.

Diesel Power Plants: Additionally, BPC owns and manages two diesel-based emergency generation facilities: the Orapa Turbine Power Plant (90 MW) and the Matshelagabedi Diesel Power Plant (70 MW).

Establishment of BPC: Botswana Power Corporation is a corporate body established through an act of parliament, the Botswana Power Corporation Act, with the following functions and duties:

• Generation, transmission, supply, and distribution of electricity in areas approved by the Minister,
• Acquisition of electricity, and
• Enter into agreements/contracts as necessary for the performance of its functions.

Power Generation Facilities

Morupule A power station is reaching the end of its operational life span after being refurbished in 2016 to 2016 to address plant degradation and reduce pollution through the installation of a Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) system. Plans are underway to repurpose the site following the plant’s decommissioning in 2028. One of the proposed options for repurposing the site is the development of a solar PV plant, leveraging its existing infrastructure for renewable energy generation.

Morupule B power station was commissioned in 2012/13 with construction and equipment defects rendering the plant not fit for purpose. To address the reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) of the power plant, a comprehensive Gap Analysis was undertaken in 2014 which informed measures to remedy the defects. In line with the Gap Analysis measures, the Corporation embarked on a defects remediation project (Morupule B Remedial Works) in 2019 to improve plant performance. Works have since been completed on the first unit and in progress on the second unit. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Emergency Diesel Generation facilities are dispatched when conventional generation capacity and imports are inadequate to meet demand. The Orapa 90MW Turbine Power Plant is a dual fuel plant which can operate on both or either liquid fuel (diesel) and gas. The Orapa facility is currently operated on diesel as no gas is available in the country to support power generation.

Shakawe Solar Plant (1 MW): Launched in September 2024, the plant aims to reduce dependency on imported electricity and enhance renewable energy capacity. It is expected to generate 8,000 MWh annually, supporting local economic growth and fostering sustainability in the region.

Bobonong Solar Plant (3 MW): Commissioned in October 2023, the existence of this plant aligns with the Botswana’s National Energy Policy to diversify energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plant plays a crucial role in advancing the country's renewable energy goals under Vision 2036.

Phakalane Solar Plant (1.3 MW): Operational since 2012, the Solar plant serves as an early demonstration of Botswana's commitment to renewable energy and combating climate change.

Mmadinare Solar Plant (100 MW): The plant is a large-scale project developed under the Independent Power Purchase (IPP) arrangement. The plant is constructed in a phased approach, with 50MW commissioned in March 2025 and the second phase of 50MW scheduled for completion in early 2026. Once fully operational, the 100 MW facility will supply clean energy to thousands of households and businesses annually, simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. This project marks a significant milestone in Botswana's efforts to achieve its Vision 2036 target of 50% renewable energy generation and supports the country's transition toward energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.