Seretse Khama Ian Khama, president of Botswana, said that the manufacturing of two 45MW turbines is already in progress and it is hoped that the plant will begin to make a contribution by August 2010 using liquid fuels.
There are also other long term measures to exploit Botswanas abundant coal resources including the construction of a 1,200MW power station at Mmabula.
Mr Khama also added that the government maintains an oil storage development programme to ensure availability of fuel supplies for essential services in case of supply disruptions.
The provision of electricity will remain under stress until the ongoing phase 1 expansion of Morupule power station is completed in 2012, which will add 600MW of power with another 600MW to be added with phase 2 of the project, said Mr Khama.
At present, Botswana receives 350MW from South Africa, which will be reduced to 250MW in December.
