- Markets
- Business
- People
- Opinion
- Technology
- Storage+
- Reports
- Our Events
- Tenders
- Price Index
- Top Modules
- ServicesServices
- AnalysisAnalysis
Lucara Botswana is seeking developers for a 30 MW solar PV project to power its Karowe diamond mine
The project could be developed in phases, including a 20 MW BESS paired with 10 MW of solar capacity
With the solar power plant, Lucara says it aims to improve energy security for the mine, lower power costs and support its long-term decarbonization strategy
Lucara Botswana, the Botswana subsidiary of Canadian diamond producer Lucara Diamond Corp, has invited expressions of interest (EOIs) for a 30 MW solar PV plant for its Karowe diamond mine.
According to the EOI, the proposed solar facility will be built on approximately 20–30 hectares of land and may be developed in 2 phases. Phase I would include a 20 MW grid-connected solar PV plant, while phase II could add another 10 MW of solar capacity integrated with a 20 MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
Karowe mine has been operational since Q2 2012 producing large, high-quality, Type IIA diamonds including many weighing more than 10.8 carats. To extend the mine’s life till 2040, Lucara said it is working on an underground project which is to begin operations in Q1 2028.
With the solar power plant, it aims to provide the mine with a more reliable, cost-effective and sustainable electricity supply since it currently depends on grid electricity and diesel generation to support its mining and processing operations.
Lucara Botswana said the initiative aligns with its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy and supports efforts to improve energy security, reduce exposure to rising electricity costs, enhance operational efficiency and advance decarbonization goals.
The company expects the project to achieve commercial operation in 2027 or 2028 and operate in a grid-tied or hybrid configuration.
The call is open to independent power producers (IPPs) and renewable energy developers to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the PV facility. The project will be developed under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA).
Developers interested in the project must demonstrate experience in utility-scale solar projects exceeding 20 MW, financial capability, execution expertise, and commitments to local content, community development and health, safety, environment and quality standards.
The EOI will serve as a prequalification process to identify eligible developers for a subsequent request for proposals (RFP) or formal tender.
Interested parties must submit their applications by July 10, 2026, according to the notice published on the local news portal Mmegi.
