| Project creates 5 000 jobs |
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| Monday,June 02,2008 Posted: 23:06 BJT(06 GMT) |
| From:MOT BW Article type:Reproduced |
A P4.5 billion solar tower, expected to generate 250 megawatts of electricity from the sun daily is earmarked for erection near Malatswae and Khwee.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director of Power Tower, Mr Jack Thipe. He said the project, which is a German technology, has the potential to generate 5 000 jobs in secondary industries.
Power Tower is a company jointly owned by one citizen and two foreigners. It is expected to supply the Botswana Power Corporation with electricity.
Mr Thipe said Botswana was given the green light by the World Bank, as one of the most suited locations for this undertaking. Because of its viability, he said, bodies such as the World Bank and Venture Capital are keen and interested in funding the project.
The plant that was piloted on a nine-year programme in Spain will be implemented on a full scale in Botswana. It will be the first of its kind in Africa.
Mr Thipe described it as a carbon credit project generating energy from a renewable source rather than burning fossil fuels. It was a cost effective energy for industries.
He noted that the project was environmentally friendly, as it would not pollute the air. The steam to be produced will be condensed into water, which could be used for agricultural purposes, especially horticultural production.
He was confident the undertaking will go along a way in meeting an increasing demand for electricity in the region particularly in Botswana.
The project’s concept, he said, was supported by various ministries, including that of trade and industry. The company was awaiting a draft lease from the land board. It will thereafter conduct an environmental impact assessment study, which will be completed in six months.
Mr Gaylard Kombani, the deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, described the Power Tower project, as a big investment that will help boost the economy of this country.
Mr Komabi said the undertaking would benefit Batswana by creating employment opportunities thereby eliminating poverty.
He indicated that Botswana has been identified, as the most suitable location for the project since it has to be located at a certain point from the equator.
The project, he said, would generate a lot of electricity and reiterated that would help meet the increasing demand for power in Botswana. He said it is cheaper than other conventional methods of generating electricity.
Mr Kombani stated his ministry’s responsibility of facilitating investment in Botswana, saying it worked hard with land authorities to allocate the Power Tower project land.
“We would really like to see it taking off the ground very soon.” |
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