In Botswana, fossil energy sources dominate electricity generation, with coal contributing to more than half of the total consumption. Overall, fossil fuels make up approximately 57% of the electricity used. Meanwhile, the contribution of low-carbon or clean energy is close to none, with net imports accounting for approximately 43% of the energy use. This reliance on imports and fossil fuels underscores an urgent need for the development of domestic clean energy sources, such as solar and nuclear, which can provide a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution to the country's energy needs.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Botswana?

Regarding electricity growth in Botswana, the latest data from 2023 indicates a consumption figure of 1818 kWh per person, which shows a decline compared to the 2015 record of 2013 kWh per person. This decrease of almost 200 kWh is concerning as it may impede Botswana's ability to meet future energy demands, especially with the increasing need for electricity driven by electrification and the rise of AI technologies. The situation is further exacerbated for low-carbon electricity, as recent data reflects stagnation rather than growth, with no change in generation from the 2019 record of 4 kWh per person. This calls for an ambitious strategy to boost low-carbon electricity generation to support Botswana's developmental goals.

Suggestions

Botswana has the opportunity to learn from regions around the globe that have successfully integrated clean energy sources into their electricity mix. Countries like North Macedonia and Lebanon have both succeeded in generating nearly half and almost a third of their electricity, respectively, from solar energy, demonstrating the viability of solar solutions in various geographic conditions. Additionally, regions like Denmark and Iowa have achieved over 50% of their electricity generation from wind energy, showcasing the potential for wind power. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of nuclear energy in countries such as France and Slovakia, where it accounts for over two-thirds of the electricity, highlights the importance of nuclear in achieving substantial clean energy goals. By considering the successful approaches of these regions, Botswana can chart a path towards a sustainable energy future, focusing on solar and nuclear power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and net imports.

History

Historically, Botswana's journey in harnessing low-carbon electricity has been largely stagnant. From 2012 through 2023, solar electricity generation has shown no increase, resulting in a flat trajectory for more than a decade. This lack of progression reflects a critical missed opportunity for leveraging Botswana's abundant solar potential and requires urgent redress. In recent years, many regions around the world have made significant strides in building solar and nuclear capacity, underscoring the need for Botswana to also prioritize these clean energy options. Given the global trend towards decarbonization and the harmful impacts of fossil fuels, advancing a robust strategy to increase Botswana’s solar and nuclear power capacity is paramount for both energy security and environmental stewardship.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade