Analysis of botswana s energy storage policy

What is Botswana's energy policy?

A prominent objective of the Policy is to achieve a substantive penetration of new and renewable energy sources in the country’s energy mix; the goal is to attain adequate economic energy self-suficiency and security, as well as positioning Botswana to fulfil its vision in becoming a regional net exporter, especially in the electricity sector.

How has the energy sector impacted Botswana's Economic Development Prospects?

Botswana has experienced some constraints in the energy sector in recent years, which to some extent have negatively impacted on the country’s economic development prospects. A devastating power supply and demand mismatch was encountered between the years 2008 and 2014, and this breached the country’s power supply security.

Why is energy important in Botswana?

Energy is recognised globally as essential to the economic development of any country and is considered a key driver for economic growth in the most important sectors of the economy. n.d). The current account balance of Botswana for 2019 shows a service sector at deficit of – 0.7% of the national GDP.

Does Botswana have a waste management policy?

Botswana is also a signatory of the Basel Convention which deals with the control of transboundary movement of hazardous waste and its disposal. Therefore, this policy recognises the need for proper waste disposal from the energy sector as well as handling of hazardous waste within the sector.

Why is biomass a key source of energy in Botswana?

Biomass makes up 29.16% as a proportion of the overall energy used in Botswana (Danish Energy Management and Esbensen 2017). Charcoal and firewood are critical sources of energy for rural and low-income urban communities. As such, woody biomass has a strategic role in the overall energy mix.

Can waste-to-energy be developed in Botswana?

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, a feasibility study is ongoing regarding the development of waste-to-energy in Botswana. Current findings indicate gaps related to the absence of Integrated Waste Management Plans and challenges related to revenues and costs.