Botala Energy Ltd (ASX:BTE) has secured a key environmental approval from local authorities for its proposed Leupane Energy Hub and Industrial Park in Botswana, where the company intends to build a 250 megawatt (MW) solar project in a joint venture with AAAS of Netherlands.
While the company’s core focus remains on its Serowe coal bed methane (CBM) gas project, BTE is also looking to the future, with plans to develop related renewable (especially solar) energy and other related opportunities.
Well-positioned to achieve energy goals
“We are pleased to have secured the necessary environmental approvals following a detailed social and environmental appraisal,” Botala Energy CEO Kris Martinick said.
“Coupled with the previously announced environmental approvals to develop our Serowe gasfield, complete with a gas pipeline to Leupane, we are well positioned to achieve our energy objectives on schedule and in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
“This approval allows Botala and our solar farm partner AAAS Energy to progress the planned 250MW solar project at the Leupane Energy Hub and Industrial Park.”
Energy hub plans
Future developments will need to secure relevant licences and permits but Botala has submitted the necessary building and planning applications for its proposed photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing plant to be developed in joint venture with Solar Finland.
Similar applications are in the works for the solar farm, both of which form part of the Leupane Energy Hub and Industrial Park.
BTE intends to develop the park in two stages – the first will involve 250MW of the eventual 500MW solar project and the second medium-term stage will involve the use of a 200MW gas-fired electricity generation plant, a liquified or compressed natural gas production facility and a beneficiation plant to process copper concentrates, achieving the Botswana Government objective of in-country value-adding.