SYDNEY: Botala Energy has entered into a strategic partnership and Binding Heads of Agreement with AAAS Energy BV, a leading developer of solar photovoltaic parks in Sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration is a pivotal step in Botala’s mission to create energy projects that complement its gas initiatives.

The partnership is set to develop up to 250MW of Solar PV capacity at the Leupane Energy Hub and Industrial Park, owned by Botala. This project is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

The alliance with AAAS presents an opportunity for Botala to unlock significant value from the project without bearing the initial development costs, capitalizing on the solar expertise of AAAS. A Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013, which will outline the project’s cost, ownership, and funding structures necessary for a Final Investment Decision (FID). Botala expects no funding requirements for the upcoming twelve months.

Initially, the Project Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be equally owned by Botala and AAAS, with equity contributions reflecting the parties’ investment in development costs and land access rights. Following AAAS’s A$1 million farm-in by the end of Q1/2025, any subsequent costs will be equally shared, subject to dilution for any non-contributing parties.

Upon successful completion of the BFS and FID, both Botala and AAAS have agreed to negotiate further development of solar capacity under similar terms.

Situated near Palapye, Botswana, the Leupane Energy Hub is set to become a key player in renewable and gas-fired power generation within the region. Botala has already laid out plans to develop up to 700MW of hybrid gas and solar power generation capacity at the site. These plans are supported by grid connection studies conducted with the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), confirming the site’s capability to support up to 700MW. This initiative is in line with Botala’s and AAAS’s shared vision of providing sustainable and affordable energy to the region.

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