Energy plays an important role for the social and economic development of any country. The energy demand in a country grows with its economic development, resulting in increasing its dependence upon the use of commercial (fossil) fuels and placing considerable stress on the existing energy systems.

 

In Botswana the demand of energy is increasing progresively and the resources are limited. Presently our country is dependent mainly on the import of various energy resources specially the petroleum products and electricity. However, Botswana has abundant coal reserves and also one of the best sunshine regimes in the world.  Botswana is meeting more than 70% of its electricity demand by importing electricity from South Africa and Zambia to very limited extent.

 

It is well known that Southern African countries are facing a power shortage situation and it will worsen after 2007. Hence to reduce dependence on the import of energy it is necessary to use indigenous energy sources, practice conservation of energy and its efficient usage in all the sectors of the country's life.