Norwegian group Scatec ASA has announced the start of commercial operations for the second 60-megawatt (MW) phase of its Mmadinare solar cluster, bringing the site’s total capacity to 120 MW. This project marks the company’s first entry into the Botswana energy market.
Scatec holds 100% ownership of the portfolio but plans to reduce its long-term economic interest by bringing in financial partners. The first phase of the project has been operational since March. The entire project is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement with Botswana Power Corporation, the national grid operator.
A long-term agreement with the national utility
The agreement with Botswana Power Corporation ensures stable revenues for Scatec over multiple decades, a model already proven in other projects by the group across Africa. The company will also provide operation, maintenance and asset management services for the plants.
According to data released by the company, the two Mmadinare plants are expected to generate 280 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually. This electricity output covers a significant share of national energy demand, at a time when Botswana aims to reduce its reliance on energy imports.
A strategic milestone in the region
The commissioning of this infrastructure comes as large-scale solar power production expands across the region. Although Scatec has not yet disclosed details of future equity partners for the project, investor interest in Botswana’s energy sector remains strong.
The company continues to expand its footprint across the African continent with a portfolio of industrial-scale solar initiatives. Alberto Gambacorta, Executive Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa, stated that the Mmadinare cluster is the country’s first utility-scale photovoltaic facility, placing Botswana on the continent’s renewable energy map.
