Afrigreen finances 4MW Solar Park in Gantsi
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Tuesday November 19, 2024 09:27
According to officials, Afrigreen is providing financial support to the 4MW project, which is being developed collaboratively by local companies Energy Systems Group (ESG) and Sahara Renewables Group (SRG).
This investment represents Afrigreen’s initial venture in Botswana, part of a broader strategy to advance renewable energy initiatives across Southern Africa.
The Sandveld Solar Park project has secured a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), which was awarded through a competitive bidding process.
“The project aims to help reduce coal dependency in Botswana, delivering cleaner energy to local communities in the Gantsi region. “Botswana’s Vision 2036, a national development plan, prioritises sustainable energy as a pathway to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” reads a statement announcing the deal. By increasing solar power production, the Sandveld Solar Park supports the country’s ambition for an environmentally conscious and sustainable energy future.
Alexandre Gilles, the managing director at Echosys Invest, the advisory firm for Afrigreen, remarked on the significance of the project for both Afrigreen and Botswana.
“We are excited to support this project, as it aligns with our mission to foster sustainable energy solutions across Africa,” Gilles said, highlighting that Afrigreen’s objective is to enable energy transitions in regions heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
He acknowledged the extensive development work done by ESG and SRG, adding that Afrigreen hopes to explore further opportunities for renewable energy investments in Botswana and the larger Southern African region.
Felix Chavaphi, the managing director of ESG, pointed to the anticipated impact of the solar park on Gantsi’s economy and environment.
Chavaphi noted that the project’s construction and operational phases would bring economic benefits to the township and neighbouring communities. “The economic and environmental impact promises to be a notable one,” Chavaphi stated.
The presence of various local and national stakeholders in the project, including Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy, the Ministry of Finance, and the Botswana Energy Regulation Authority, highlights the project’s collaborative approach to advancing green energy in the country. Chavaphi indicated that the project could serve as a model for renewable energy initiatives that prioritise community benefits as well as sustainable power production.
In addition to local developers and government support, Sandveld Solar Park also involves international stakeholders, including institutions backing Afrigreen, such as the European Investment Bank and the International Finance Corporation.
These partnerships bring expertise and resources aimed at expanding renewable energy options across Africa. Afrigreen has a specific focus on environmental and social standards and prioritises projects that can demonstrate a positive impact on local communities. According to Echosys Invest, Afrigreen’s partner and fund advisor, the company evaluates projects not only for their economic viability but also for their adherence to environmental sustainability standards.
The Sandveld Solar Park aims to provide Botswana with a replicable example of how public-private partnerships can address regional energy needs.
For communities in and around Gantsi, the project promises both enhanced energy access and reduced carbon emissions, offering a practical step toward a greener future.