Botswana plans 250 MW independent power project
Thématique :
botswana
By Olivia Spadavecchia, Engineering News, 19 Nov 07
State-owned electricity utility, the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), said over the weekend that the country might get a new 250 MW peaking to midmerit power plant to cater for what it termed a "supply gap".
It was envisaged that an independent power producer (IPP) would develop the power station.
In an invitation to show interest, published in local Sunday newspapers, the utility said that the "gestation period" for the IPP power plant should not be more than two years from January 1, 2008.
The BPC would buy the capacity and energy from the developer through a power purchase agreement. It might also consider a build, own, operate and transfer arrangement.
Electricity demand in Botswana is said to be at about 500 MW currently, which may rise to about 600 MW over the next three to four years.
The BPC is concerned about a supply gap, particularly during the 2010/11 period before its new generation investment, the four by 33-MW coal-fired Morupule power station, comes on stream in 2012.
Imports contributed some 75% of total national energy consumption, and the company said that the Southern African region's ever-increasing demand for electricity was posing a significant challenge for regional power utilities that were tasked with securing supply for their respective countries.
The closing date for the expressions of interest is December 14, and it is hoped that talks with the interested party will advance quickly despite the holiday period.
State-owned electricity utility, the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), said over the weekend that the country might get a new 250 MW peaking to midmerit power plant to cater for what it termed a "supply gap".
It was envisaged that an independent power producer (IPP) would develop the power station.
In an invitation to show interest, published in local Sunday newspapers, the utility said that the "gestation period" for the IPP power plant should not be more than two years from January 1, 2008.
The BPC would buy the capacity and energy from the developer through a power purchase agreement. It might also consider a build, own, operate and transfer arrangement.
Electricity demand in Botswana is said to be at about 500 MW currently, which may rise to about 600 MW over the next three to four years.
The BPC is concerned about a supply gap, particularly during the 2010/11 period before its new generation investment, the four by 33-MW coal-fired Morupule power station, comes on stream in 2012.
Imports contributed some 75% of total national energy consumption, and the company said that the Southern African region's ever-increasing demand for electricity was posing a significant challenge for regional power utilities that were tasked with securing supply for their respective countries.
The closing date for the expressions of interest is December 14, and it is hoped that talks with the interested party will advance quickly despite the holiday period.
