The Ministry of Minerals and Energy, through the Department of Energy, marked a major step in sustainable energy and community empowerment with the commissioning of a 30-cubic-metre biogas digester at Lorolwane Primary School on 17 December 2025. The facility was officially handed over to Kanye District Council, which will manage and operate the system, ensuring long-term sustainability and community benefit.
Funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the biogas digester is part of the Government’s broader commitment to providing clean, reliable and affordable energy. The project also promotes environmental stewardship, local skills development, and aligns with national and international climate and energy objectives. By introducing renewable energy solutions in schools, the initiative demonstrates how sustainable practices can support education, agriculture and community livelihoods.
Acting Director of the Department of Energy, Mr. Baruti Regoeng, emphasized the long-standing partnership between the Department and UNDP under the National Biogas Programme, which began in 2017. He highlighted that this collaboration has enabled the rollout of both household and institutional biogas systems across Botswana. “For this project, the Department provided technical expertise in system design, quality assurance and construction supervision, with Kanye District Council as the beneficiary and operator,” Mr. Regoeng explained.
Lorolwane Primary School Headteacher, Ms. Tebogo Mogajane, praised the initiative’s community focus. She highlighted that four local masons from Lorolwane Village were engaged and trained in the construction of the biogas digester. Their hands-on involvement has equipped them with practical skills that can be applied to future projects, creating livelihood opportunities and fostering local expertise in renewable energy.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Ms. Josephine Lewis, noted that the Lorolwane facility will serve as a demonstration site under the custodianship of Kanye District Council. The site will showcase the benefits of renewable energy for education, agriculture and local livelihoods. She explained that the project is implemented under the Just Energy Transition (JET) Access initiative, a joint effort by UNICEF, UNIDO, the Ministry of Minerals and Energy through the Department of Energy, and Kanye District Council. Lessons learned from Lorolwane are expected to guide replication in other schools and communities across Botswana.
The commissioning of the biogas digester at Lorolwane Primary School reflects a strategic effort to integrate sustainable energy solutions into community development. By combining renewable energy, skills training and local participation, the initiative not only addresses energy needs but also strengthens local economies, empowers communities and supports Botswana’s climate and energy goals.
