China Eximbank pledges to loan for Mmamabula Energy Project
Not recommended for aggregates
This project is not recommended for use in creating aggregated sums. See the documentation for more information about this criteria.
Summary
Funding agency [Type]
Export-Import Bank of China (China Eximbank) [State-owned Policy Bank]
Recipient
Botswana
Sector
Energy (Code: 230)
Flow type
Loan
Level of public liability
Other public sector debt
Infrastructure
Yes
Category
Project lifecycle
Description
In March 2009, CIC Energy announced that it had signed a contract with Shanghai Electric as contractor for engineering, procurement and construction of the Mmamabula Energy Project (MEP). A special purpose vehicle — called Meepong Energy — was established to manage the design, financing, and implementation of the independent power project (IPP), which would involve the development of a 3 billion ton (fully drilled out) coal deposit located in southeastern Botswana. This project includes a ~6.0mtpa run-of-mine open strip coal mine, a 1,320MW power station, and related infrastructure. It is also envisaged that Eskom and the Botswana Power Corporation (“BPC”) will serve as off-takers. The ultimate purpose of this project is to exploit the extensive and proven Mmamabula coalfield in Botswana, which is an extension of South Africa’s Waterberg coalfield. China Eximbank has reportedly indicated interest in financing the project.
Additional details
concessionality of the loan is unknwon
Number of official sources
1
Number of total sources
8
Details
Cofinanced
Yes
Direct receiving agencies [Type]
Meepong Energy [Joint Venture/Special Purpose Vehicle]
Implementing agencies [Type]
Botswana Power Corporation [State-owned Company]
Meepong Energy [Joint Venture/Special Purpose Vehicle]
Shanghai Electric Group Co., Ltd. [State-owned Company]
China Investment Corporation (CIC) [State-owned Fund]
Guarantee provider [Type]
Electricity Supply Organization (Eskom) [State-owned Company]