Botswana’s first gas-to-power plant to connect national grid in 2025

   Botswana’s first coalbed methane independent power producer (IPP), Tlou Energy, intends to connect to the national grid early next year, the company said in a report on Monday.

   In a quarterly activities report issued on the Botswana Stock Exchange, the company said that its downstream activities, including the grid connection power line for the Lesedi substations and generators, are nearing completion in Serowe village, located in Botswana’s Central District.

   Lesedi is the company’s coalbed methane project, a gas field in central Botswana expected to help close the country’s power deficit as the country aims for a surplus through IPPs.

   “Work has been ongoing at Lesedi for some time, with the project targeting the first power generation expected in mid-2025. Lesedi remains at the forefront of Botswana’s gas-to-power sector, making substantial progress in the development of the proposed 10 MW gas-to-power project,” said Tony Gilby, managing director of Tlou Energy.

   Although financially challenged, the company’s major shareholder, Ian Campbell, has indicated his willingness to provide funding, with the power station expected to be installed, commissioned and tested for approval in 2025.    “This is subject to receiving adequate financing and achieving sufficient and consistent gas flow from existing and proposed production wells,” Gilby added. 

XINHUA