Botswana Launches 500 MW Solar-Plus-Storage Project with 500 MWh Battery in Maun

Botswana has officially begun construction of the Maun solar project, a major renewable energy initiative combining 500 MW of solar capacity with 500 MWh of battery storage in the country’s northwest.

Developed under an independent power producer model, the project is being led by Okavango Solar, a subsidiary of Oman-based NAQAA Sustainable Energy LLC. A 30-year power purchase agreement has been signed with Botswana Power Corporation, which will act as the offtaker.

The integrated battery system will allow stored solar energy to be dispatched during peak demand hours, particularly in the early morning and evening, improving grid reliability and energy availability.

Once completed, the Maun project is expected to rank among the largest solar-plus-storage installations in Southern Africa. President Duma Boko described the initiative as a strategic step toward positioning Botswana as a regional energy hub.

Botswana’s solar sector is steadily expanding, supported by projects like Mmadinare and Jwaneng. The country currently has around 181.5 MW of installed solar capacity and aims to increase renewable energy’s share in its power mix to 50 percent by 2030, up from approximately 8 percent today.