The role of energy in economic transformation

Abstract

Many countries, especially in Africa are still having challenges with regards to their energy demand. Botswana, like the rest of them is not immune to these challenges. Owing to the fact that country is unable to meet its current energy demand although it has abundant coal reserves, and one of the highest solar irradiation in the world, there is a burning need to address this as energy is one of the key drivers for any economy to thrive. In its economic tranformation agenda drive, the role of the energy sector presents an opportunity for Botswana to move towards not only being self reliant and self sufficient but also become the net exporter of energy. Hence, the need to tap into all sources of energy for the benefit of the country and find more sustainable means to transforming the economy through the energy sector. The energy sectors therefore has an undoubtedly large enviromental footprint. Energy prodiction accounts for about 71 percent of global green house gas emmisons and therefore any attempt to address issues of climate change in the energy sector, there must be a full transformation of how energy is supplied and consumed and innovation is central to this transformation.