Botswana Electricity: Generation Mix, Demand and Emissions
Botswana generated 3.43 TWh of electricity in 2024, according to Ember. Coal was the largest source at 98.3%, followed by other fossil (1.5%) and solar (0.3%). Demand was 4.67 TWh and each kWh generated emitted 852 gCO2/kWh. These are annual statistics for 2024; they are compiled from national sources and are not real time.
Key Facts
- Botswana generated 3.43 TWh of electricity in 2024.
- Coal supplied 98.3% of Botswana's electricity in 2024.
- Other fossil supplied 1.5% of Botswana's electricity in 2024.
- Solar supplied 0.3% of Botswana's electricity in 2024.
- Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 0.3% of Botswana's generation in 2024.
- The carbon intensity of Botswana's electricity was 852 gCO2/kWh in 2024.
- Botswana's carbon intensity in 2024 was about the same as in 2000, at 852 gCO2/kWh.
- Botswana had the 137th highest electricity demand among the 197 countries with Ember data for 2024.
Key Figures, 2024
| Measure | Value | As of / source |
|---|---|---|
| Total generation | 3.43 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Electricity demand | 4.67 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand per person | 1.85 MWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Net imports | 1.24 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Carbon intensity | 852 gCO2/kWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Power sector emissions | 2.92 MtCO2 | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand rank (countries with 2024 data) | 137 of 197 | 2024 · Ember |
Generation Mix, 2024
| Source | Generation | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | 3.37 TWh | 98.3% |
| Other fossil | 50.0 GWh | 1.5% |
| Solar | 10.0 GWh | 0.3% |
Year by Year
Ember annual statistics, 2000 to 2024| Year | Coal | Other fossil | Solar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1.11 TWh | 30.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2001 | 1.11 TWh | 20.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2002 | 1.12 TWh | 30.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2003 | 1.01 TWh | 30.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2004 | 920 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2005 | 1.05 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2006 | 980 GWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2007 | 820 GWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2008 | 700 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2009 | 620 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2010 | 530 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2011 | 440 GWh | 40.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2012 | 250 GWh | 100 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2013 | 760 GWh | 160 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2014 | 2.21 TWh | 100 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2015 | 2.86 TWh | 110 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2016 | 2.68 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2017 | 3.01 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2018 | 3.09 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2019 | 2.50 TWh | 0 TWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2020 | 2.12 TWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2021 | 2.39 TWh | 90.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2022 | 2.45 TWh | 100 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2023 | 3.19 TWh | 30.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2024 | 3.37 TWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| Year | Generation | Demand | Carbon intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3.43 TWh | 4.67 TWh | 852 gCO2/kWh |
| 2023 | 3.23 TWh | 4.74 TWh | 853 gCO2/kWh |
| 2022 | 2.56 TWh | 4.36 TWh | 847 gCO2/kWh |
| 2021 | 2.49 TWh | 4.15 TWh | 847 gCO2/kWh |
| 2020 | 2.18 TWh | 4.23 TWh | 850 gCO2/kWh |
| 2019 | 2.51 TWh | 3.52 TWh | 855 gCO2/kWh |
| 2018 | 3.11 TWh | 3.82 TWh | 854 gCO2/kWh |
| 2017 | 3.02 TWh | 4.24 TWh | 857 gCO2/kWh |
| 2016 | 2.69 TWh | 4.36 TWh | 857 gCO2/kWh |
| 2015 | 2.97 TWh | 4.44 TWh | 851 gCO2/kWh |
Full year by year history for Botswana, 2000 to 2024
Source: Ember (ember-energy.org), licensed under CC BY 4.0. Data as of 2024.
Botswana Electricity FAQ
What is the main source of electricity in Botswana?
Coal was the largest source of electricity in Botswana in 2024, supplying 98.3% of generation, followed by other fossil (1.5%) and solar (0.3%). Figures are Ember annual statistics.
How much electricity does Botswana use?
Botswana used 4.67 TWh of electricity in 2024, about 1.85 MWh per person.
How clean is Botswana's electricity?
Generating a kilowatt hour of electricity in Botswana emitted 852 gCO2/kWh in 2024, and low carbon sources supplied 0.3% of generation. That is 81% above the world average of 472 gCO2/kWh.
Does Botswana import electricity?
Yes. Botswana imported 1.24 TWh more electricity than it exported in 2024.