Scatec signed a binding 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA), in August 2022, with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) for a 60 MW solar PV facility in the Mmadinare District. In the third quarter 2023, Scatec was awarded a 60 MW expansion of the project, taking the total capacity to 120 MW.
The estimated total capital expenditure for the 120 MW project is BWP 1.5 billion ($108 million) with an estimated engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract value to Scatec of BWP 1.2 billion ($88 million). The solar power plants are estimated to be financed by BWP 1.0 billion ($73 million) of non-recourse project debt, and the remainder by equity from Scatec. Financing for the projects will be provided by the First National Bank of Botswana (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Scatec owns 100 percent of the project and will be the designated EPC company, as well as asset manager (AM) and operations and maintenance (O&M) service provider. Construction and operation of the power plants will be managed by Scatec’s organisation in South Africa. Scatec is targeting to reduce its long-term economic interest in the project by inviting additional equity partners.
“We mark another achievement for our renewable energy journey in Botswana as we start construction of the second phase of the project” said Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog. “By doubling the total capacity of the solar power plant, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategy, robust business model and drive to contribute to the green energy transition in Africa.”
The plant will be located near Mmadinare, close to the former mining town of Selebi-Phikwe, 400 kilometres Northeast of the capital Gaborone. The solar power plant will ensure that approximately 48,000 tons of CO2 emissions will be avoided and can power approximately 20,000 households annually.
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