Botswana's electricity consumption in 2022 was dominated by fossil fuels, with over 61% coming from this energy source. Coal alone accounted for nearly 59% of the total electricity generation, highlighting a heavy reliance on the most carbon-intensive fuel. Furthermore, the country depended significantly on net imports, contributing about 39% to its electricity mix. This energy scenario underscores the pressing need for Botswana to diversify its energy sources and consider cleaner electricity generation options, especially as the global focus intensifies on reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change impacts.
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Botswana can look towards incorporating nuclear energy and expanding its potential in wind and solar energy. Countries like Slovakia and Ukraine have successfully integrated nuclear power, covering 60% and 55% of their electricity generation, respectively. Similarly, Denmark has effectively utilized wind energy, which accounts for 59% of its electricity production. Botswana, sharing climate similarities with certain regions, can also draw insights from Uruguay and Portugal, where wind energy meets 36% and 23% of electricity needs. By investing in similar technologies, Botswana can build a sustainable and resilient energy sector.
The history of low-carbon electricity in Botswana, particularly solar power, has seen no significant growth over the past decade. From 2012 to 2022, there was no measurable change in solar electricity generation, indicating stagnation in the development of solar infrastructure. This underscores an urgent need for strategic investment and policy shifts to harness the abundant solar potential in Botswana. Embracing solar power alongside nuclear and wind energy could vastly improve the green energy landscape in Botswana, setting the nation on a path toward cleaner, more sustainable electricity production.
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.