Unsure if posted previously... Seems coal is only real baseload...

Unsure if posted previously...

Seems coal is only real baseload commodity available to Botswana presently and they are net importers of elecricity from South Africa.

"Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is the main decision maker for the power generation, transmission and distribution. EAD administers the Electricity Supply Act, which latest amendment promotes IPP’s participation in order to achieve security supply in power generation.

BPC has an installed capacity of 450 MW from Morupule B coal fired power plant. The national demand  averages 550 MW, covered by importing up to 150 MW from South Africa that mitigates, but does not prevent, load shedding. In 2013 two emergency diesel facilities, 70 MW at Matshelagabedi and 90MW at Orapa, were installed to avoid such outages. Morupule A, a 132 MW facility where capacity dropped to 30% in 2012,has started rehabilitation and upgrading to add capacity in the next two years. Morupule B is also starting expansion in 2016 in order to add another 300 MW by 2020. Based on 2013 data, Botswana’s national electrification rate reached 66% (54% in rural areas, 65% in urban one), but1 million people still lack access to electricity."

https://www.usaid.gov/powerafrica/botswana

Clear coal is not a great alternative so given our reserves and know how...seems from a common sense perspective if they want to cut back on the "dirty" energy (and they do) that it's no wonder TOU is confident of success in the re-tender process for the 100MW station.

All coincides with goals of newly established regulatory body. Think high regard will be given to Oz knowhow as well. Oz is globally known for strict compliance in it's O&G sector as well as overall gold standard regulation in all mining sectors...well worth a read from a state of play perspective.

https://www.esi-africa.com/botswana-establishes-energy-regulator/