Botswana Oil, the state-owned oil utility responsible for the country’s fuel security, is leveraging on research, innovation and partnerships to contribute more towards Botswana’s drive to reduce its carbon emissions.
Botswana is a minimal contributor to carbon emissions at global scale, with the last update showing that Africa as a whole contributes less than five percent of the world total. Within that, Botswana contributes about four percent to the African total.
The fuel sector is among the major contributors to the country’s carbon emissions, including sub-sectors such as transport, mining, electricity generation and household use.
Botswana Oil Chief Executive Officer, Meshack Tshekedi explains the role the organisation is taking in the carbon emissions effort.
“We have to take centre in leading the research and transformation of the energy sector,” he says.
“In this financial year, we are developing an extensive strategy on renewable energy which will inform government on some of the opportunities that exist in our transition to cleaner fuels. We have to take the lead and put something on the table in terms of strategy. That strategy will be used to engage government and other stakeholders, so that we have a plan when it comes to the transition from fossil fuels.”
The transition from existing fuels in the market will not be an easy task. Botswana is entirely dependent on external sources for its fuel supply and the challenge is for Botswana Oil to innovate from within the country to produce cleaner alternatives.
In addition Botswana Oil will have to facilitate the use of transition fuels such as gas and bio-fuels as a bridge to cleaner fuels.
“We have to lead and be the transformation agent for government in the carbon transition. We use these fuels and as a government- owned entity, we have to lead the transformation of the sector both for the economic benefit and the security of supply.”
