Energy Mix in Botswana

Question 1

How and why has Botswana’s GDP change since the 60’s?

how does this compare to the UK?

Answer 1

• Once one of poorest nations, but GDP has increased from $30 million to $15 billion
• Botswana is still poor in comparison to the UK.

Question 2

Outline Botswana’s energy mix in 2012

Answer 2

• Biomass accounted for greatest demand at 350 Mtoe. (60%)
• Oil, coal and gas accounted for a total of 200 Mtoe.
• Modern renewables and nuclear had very little contribution.

Question 3

How is Botswana’s energy mix expected to change by 2040?

Answer 3

• Overall energy demand expected to increase.

- Biomass will still have greatest contribution, but modern renewables will have an increased contribution.

Question 4

What is the main source of biomass in Botswana?

What is biomass used for?

What type of household in Botswana is most reliant on biomass as a fuel?

Answer 4

Fuelwood

cooking, lighting, cooking

rural households

Question 5

The % of households using firewood for cooking has ………………. from ………….. in 1980 to …………….. in 2000

Answer 5

decreased
85%
45%

Question 6

Give the risk associated with burning firewood as a fuel

Why is this an issue in a developing country?

Answer 6

• Incomplete combustion releases particles and chemicals, including carbon monoxide, damaging to human health.
• Confined spaces such as homes, no working chimneys and cost of good quality stoves increase indoor pollution and health risks.

Question 7

What issues are there with access to fuelwood in Botswana?

How could this impact energy mix in the future?

Answer 7

• Dead wood requires longer walks and only low quality wood is often found, forcing people to make frequent collection trips.
• Reduced access, and health risks may result in decreased used of firewood, in exchange for safer and more accessible fuel.

Question 8

Give an example of a solar energy project

Give 3 examples of how the project could be used

Why is Botswana suitable for this project?

Answer 8

Akon lighting Africa Programme.

• Solar power systems or panels attached to homes
• Solar streetlights
• Home service systems for personal use

320 clear, sunny days a year.

Question 9

How is Botswana hoping to expand its energy mix?

Answer 9

Tapping into their abundance of renewable sources

Question 10

Botswana currently imports …….. from ………

Answer 10

150MW

South Africa

Question 11

Botswana’s current energy demand is ……..

…….. is currently produced

………… more is expected to be produced by 2018

How will the additional energy be used?

Answer 11

550 MW

470 MW

2000 MW

it will be exported

Question 12

Give 5 limitations in terms of Botswana’s supply of energy from renewable sources

Answer 12

• High installation costs
• Lack of regulations
• Lack of knowledge and trained personnel
• Variable, particularly solar power
• ‘Better’ and cheaper alternatives