The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Botswana have launched their investment cooperation with the groundbreaking of a 500 MW photovoltaic solar power plant in the city of Maun, integrated with battery energy storage of equal capacity.
The project implements outcomes of the recent meeting between His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, held at Al Barakah Palace, and reflects a commitment to fast-track agreements signed between the two countries.
The ceremony, held just three days after the signing of agreements in Muscat, underscores rapid execution and strong momentum in activating bilateral investment ties. It was attended by President Boko, Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), and officials from both sides.
The Maun project is being developed by O-Green, a subsidiary of Oman Investment Authority, in partnership with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC). It aligns with O-Green’s strategy to expand globally through integrated renewable energy projects spanning generation, storage, and infrastructure.
The Maun solar power project is the first to be implemented under Oman-Botswana energy cooperation, which targets up to 3,000 MW in total capacity, marking a shift from planning to execution.
Mustafa bin Mohammed Al Hinai, CEO of O-Green, stated that the groundbreaking ceremony embodies the company’s dedication to executing projects according to the highest standards, consistent with the agreements signed with partners in the Republic of Botswana. He noted that the project will be rolled out in carefully planned phases to support the energy grid.
He added that the Maun solar power project serves as the foundation of an integrated energy platform that will contribute to Botswana’s aspirations to become a regional energy trading hub and open up new prospects for sustainable economic growth, harnessing renewable energy solutions and round-the-clock storage systems.
Image credits: ONA | Cropped by GBN
Once completed, the Maun solar power plant is expected to more than double Botswana’s current power generation capacity. The inclusion of battery storage will enhance grid reliability and support peak load management, ensuring stable and sustainable energy supply.
The agreementssigned in Muscat span multiple sectors, including mineral exploration, oil storage infrastructure, and renewable energy. They also include a memorandum between OQ Group and Botswana Oil Limited on fuel security and infrastructure, an agreement between O-Green and Botswana Power Corporation for the solar project, and a cooperation deal between Oman Mining Development Company and Botswana’s Exploration Investment Company in mining exploration.
