Omani firm breaks ground on 500MW solar project in Botswana

Omani renewable energy developer Naqaa Sustainable Energy LLC (O-Green) has broken ground on a 500 MW solar park project in Maun, located in the northwest of the Southern African nation of Botswana. The company was recently selected by the Botswana government to implement the project which will include a 500MWp battery energy storage system (BESS).

The contract awarded to Naqaa Sustainable Energy LLC includes the design, financing, construction, ownership, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of the 500 MW plant over a 25-year period.

The solar power project is expected to help Botswana reduce its dependence on energy imports from its neighbour, South Africa, and assist the country in realizing its energy security ambitions.

“This project will significantly enhance security of supply, reduce our carbon footprint, optimize the corporation’s generation costs through the displacement of expensive power imports and position Botswana as a net-exporter of electricity in the region,” said David Kgoboko, CEO of Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).

Aiding Botswana’s energy independence plans

Botswana’s current operational solar capacity stands at 181.5 megawatts. The country aims for renewable sources to account for half of its national energy mix by 2030—a substantial increase from the current level of approximately eight percent. 

Additionally, Botswana aims to become a net energy exporter, leveraging its abundance of underutilized solar energy potential. Electricity exports could help diversify the country’s economy, which is currently pressured by declining global diamond prices—diamonds account for a large share of this Southern African nation’s GDP. 

“We are focusing on accelerating implementation of an Integrated Resource Plan and deliver 1.5GW of renewable energy by 2030. This will bring to light our broader ambition of being a regional hub for solar energy generation,” said Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko commenting during the ground breaking ceremony.

If successfully delivered, the Maun solar park could mark a turning point for Botswana’s power sector—shifting the country from import dependence to regional energy leadership. Beyond strengthening energy security and lowering costs, the project signals growing international confidence in Botswana’s renewable energy ambitions and policy direction.