In 2023, the state of electricity consumption in Botswana reveals a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which accounts for more than half of the electricity generated. With coal responsible for over 55% of electricity consumption, the dependency on fossil energy remains considerable. Additionally, Botswana's electricity grid relies extensively on net imports, making up nearly 43% of its energy supply. Unfortunately, clean or low-carbon energy, which traditionally includes sources like solar or nuclear power, is noticeably absent from the country's current energy consumption structure.

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

Is Electricity Growing in Botswana?

Analyzing the growth of electricity use in Botswana indicates a downward trend for the current period. In 2023, the average electricity consumption per person stands at 1818 kWh, which has decreased by nearly 200 kWh per person since the peak usage year of 2015. This decline is concerning in the face of growing global energy demand. More troubling is the stagnant growth of low-carbon electricity generation, which remains unchanged since its previous record in 2019, still at 4 kWh per person. These trends underscore the need for Botswana to enhance its electricity infrastructure, particularly in embracing clean energy solutions to support future growth and sustainability.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Botswana could benefit from looking at regions with successful implementations. For instance, solar power has shown remarkable promise in regions with abundant sunlight, such as Cyprus, Lebanon, and Namibia, each achieving over 20% solar electricity generation. Mimicking these successful strategies could lead to substantial growth in solar power. Additionally, nuclear energy plays a crucial role in countries like France and Slovakia, where it contributes to a significant portion of the energy mix. Embracing nuclear energy, alongside solar, can offer Botswana reliable, clean, and sustainable electricity sources, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and imports while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering sustainable economic development.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Botswana over the past decade shows no significant advancements. From 2012 through 2023, solar energy generation remained constant without any measurable increase, highlighting a period lacking progress in clean energy expansion. This stagnation in low-carbon energy production represents a missed opportunity for development. It is imperative for Botswana to break this standstill and commit to a strategic expansion of solar capacity, potentially along with nuclear energy investment, to meet the escalating demand for sustainable electricity. The role of these energy sources is vital, not only in reducing environmental impacts but also in securing an energy-independent future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade