Scatec ASA, a leading renewable energy provider, has in March 2025 started commercial operation of the first 60 MW of the 120 MW Mmadinare Solar Cluster in Botswana
The power plant is Scatec’s first in Botswana and will generate predictable revenues from a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Botswana Power Corporation, the national utility. The remaining 60 MW of the project is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in the beginning of 2026. Scatec owns 100% of the project and is aiming to reduce its long-term economic interest by inviting additional equity partners.
“We are very proud to achieve COD for the first phase of the solar power plant within budget, reinforcing our commitment to advancing renewable energy in the region,” says Terje Pilskog, CEO Scatec.
“Moving from development to construction and now to commercial operation has been highly rewarding. We are now ramping up construction of the second phase and look forward to its completion in the beginning of next year,“ says Alberto Gambacorta, Scatec’s EVP of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Mmadinare Solar Cluster was kicsktarted by former President Mokgweetsi Masisi in March last year. Scatec ASA, was appointed by BPC through a competitive tender process initiated by the corporation in February of 2020. The tender resulted in a Power Purchase Agreement which was signed between Scatec and BPC on 31st August 2022.
Thereafter, Scatec was allowed a period of 12 months to raise funding. Funding was secured from RMB, the corporate investment banking wing of FNB. Funds were also secured from International Finance Corporation (IFC ), the investment arm of World Bank.
