Mmadinare Solar Cluster Delivers 120 MW Boost to Botswana’s Energy Supply

Mmadinare Solar Cluster Delivers 120 MW Boost to Botswana’s Energy Supply. Botswana’s renewable energy capacity has expanded with the full commissioning of the 120 megawatt Mmadinare Solar Cluster, a large scale project developed in two phases.

The first 60 MW phase reached commercial operation in March 2025. Commercial operation of the second 60 MW phase was announced in early December 2025, bringing the total installed capacity of the cluster to 120 MW.

Together, the two solar power plants are expected to generate approximately 280 gigawatt hours of electricity each year. The project is also projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 380,000 tonnes annually through the production of clean energy.

Electricity generated by the Mmadinare Solar Cluster will be sold under a 25 year Power Purchase Agreement with Botswana Power Corporation, the national utility. The long term agreement is designed to provide stable revenues for the project. Scatec ASA currently holds full ownership of the project portfolio but has indicated plans to reduce its long term economic interest by introducing additional equity partners.

Scatec was appointed by Botswana Power Corporation through a competitive tender process that began in February 2020. The Power Purchase Agreement between the parties was signed on 31 August 2022.

Tollowing the signing of the agreement, Scatec was granted a 12 month period to secure project financing. Funding was subsequently arranged through Rand Merchant Bank, the corporate and investment banking division of First National Bank, along with the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group.

The Mmadinare Solar Cluster was officially launched in March 2024 at a ground breaking ceremony officiated by then President Mokgweetsi Masisi, marking a significant milestone in Botswana’s efforts to expand its renewable energy infrastructure.