Botswana Launches Landmark 500 MW Solar Project in Maun

Botswana Launches Landmark 500 MW Solar Project in Maun. The largest renewable energy project ever undertaken in Botswana is now underway, following the appointment of NAQAA Sustainable Energy LLC, an Omani firm, to develop a 500 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant with an integrated battery energy storage system (BESS) in Maun.

According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Minerals & Energy on 20 March 2026, NAQAA will design, finance, construct, own, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the facility, which will have a minimum operational life of 25 years. The project marks a significant milestone in Botswana’s renewable energy journey, surpassing the existing Mmadinare 120 MW solar cluster and the Jwaneng 100 MW project currently under construction.

NAQAA Sustainable Energy LLC, established in 2025 under O-Green, specializes in large-scale clean energy solutions. It is a subsidiary of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), the Sultanate of Oman’s sovereign wealth fund. The company’s portfolio includes a 1,100 MW wind project with OQ Alternative Energy and other solar ventures.

President Boko emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that it will reduce electricity production costs, stabilize the national grid, and eliminate government subsidies to the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), which currently amount to about $75 million annually. He added that the project will strengthen BPC’s financial position and ensure long-term energy security.

Minister of Minerals & Energy, Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo, highlighted Botswana’s progress in renewable deployment, with 104 MW of grid-connected solar PV capacity already in operation — representing 21% of the installed generation mix. The government aims to raise renewable energy’s share to 42% in the next financial year and 50% by 2030 under the revised Integrated Resource Plan.

The Maun project signals Botswana’s readiness to scale up renewable energy, positioning the country as a regional leader in sustainable power generation.