Jindal to generate 700 MW of electricity from coal in Botswana

Significant progress has been made in the construction of Jindal’s coal fired power plant in Botswana’s Mmamabula coal basin, located between the villages of Mmaphashalala and Mookane. Once completed, the plant is planned to generate 700 MW of electricity and supply the power to the country’s national grid.

With a total investment expected to exceed USD 2 billion, the project will be one of the largest private sector investments ever made in Botswana. The commissioning of the plant aims to strengthen the country’s energy security and enable electricity exports to neighboring countries if surplus power is generated.

Coal to serve as the plant’s main fuel

Jindal holds mining licenses covering approximately 3 billion tons of coal reserves in the Mmamabula region. The company plans to produce approximately 4.5 million mt of coal annually, with most of the coal extracted expected to be used for power generation at the 700 MW plant.

Through this structure, Jindal aims to integrate coal production and electricity generation at Mmamabula within a single project.

Major milestone reached in plant construction

As part of the project, the 189 ton boiler steam drum component of Unit 2 was successfully lifted and installed at a height of 53.5 meters above ground. The installation of the steam drum, the heaviest single component of the boiler, is considered the first major milestone in the assembly of the Unit 2 boiler.

Construction of the Unit 2 boiler has reportedly reached approximately 17%. Following the installation of the steam drum, work is expected to proceed with the installation of pressure components that will carry water and steam within the system.

Electricity to be sold to BPC for 30 years

Jindal signed a 30 year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) in July 2023. Under the agreement, Jindal will finance, construct, own and operate the power plant, while the electricity generated will be sold to BPC for 30 years.

Local companies have so far been awarded contracts worth approximately BWP 1 billion during the construction of the project, while around 1,700 Botswanans are reportedly employed.

Once operational, the plant will enable Jindal to utilize its Mmamabula coal resources for power generation while significantly increasing Botswana’s electricity generation capacity.