Scatec ASA has achieved financial closure for the first 60 megawatts (MW) of the Mmadinare Solar Complex in Botswana.
In August 2022, Scatec and the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) signed a binding 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the construction of a 60 MW solar PV facility in the Mmadinare District. In the third quarter of 2023, Scatec was awarded a 60 MW expansion to the project, taking the total capacity to 120 MW.
The estimated total capital expenditure for the 120 MW project is BWP 1.4 billion (USD 104 million), with an estimated EPC contract value to Scatec of BWP 1.2 billion (USD 90 million). The solar power plants are estimated to be financed by BWP 936 million (USD 68 million) of non-recourse project debt and equity from Scatec. Financing for the first 60 MW will be provided by the Rand Merchant Bank in Botswana and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Scatec owns 100% of the project and will be the designated engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company, as well as asset manager (AM) and operations and maintenance (O&M) service provider. Construction and operation of the power plants will be managed by Scatec’s organisation in South Africa.
“As we reach another milestone in our renewable energy journey in Botswana, we are now looking forward to starting construction of the largest solar project in the country. By doubling the total capacity of the solar power plant, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategy, robust business model, and drive to contribute to the green energy transition in Africa,” says Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog.
“Solar is one of the world’s fastest-growing and most cost-competitive clean energy sources. Scatec’s pioneering role and solid track record in solar stand testimony to our commitment to value creation, including the positive impact we make and the communities we enhance,” Pilskog adds.
Situated in proximity to the former mining town of Selebi-Phikwe, approximately 400 kilometres northeast of the capital, Gaborone, the plant will be located near Mmadinare. The solar power plant is set to prevent around 48,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions and supply annual electricity to approximately 20,000 households.
