By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela has revealed that Eswatini is set to increase its electricity generation capacity by 241 megawatts by July 2026 as part of the goal of achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy by 2030.
The Minister revealed this during the European Union (EU) Green Power Transformation Forum 2023, held at the Royal Villas Hotel over a three-day period.
This year’s forum was a follow-up to the previous edition, which took place last year and showcased the achievements of the renewable energy sector in Eswatini with support from the EU. The
The forum focused on the role of public and private sector actors in driving the energy transition in Eswatini and key challenges and opportunities, such as project financing and skills development.
The minister outlined the Ministry’s plan and roadmap on how they aim to improve the country’s renewable energy generation capacity. He touched on a number of projects, some of which are already in progress, while others are still waiting for implementation.
He said that the ministry in collaboration with the biomass producers, undertook an assessment of the biomass, which indicated an extra 80MW of generation capacity.
The acquisition of this capacity is anticipated to begin in 2024. Forming part of these projects is a 75 Megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity, whose procurement is towards completion and will be commissioned between May and June 2025.
He added that there is also a 40MW of biomass power capacity, which is being proposed to be commissioned in July 2026. Furthermore, he stated that 33MW hydropower capacity from lower Maguga and Maguga expansion has been completed and funding for implementation is being solicited, which also forms part of these projects. Lastly, construction of 13MW of Hydropower from Lower Maguduza is expected to begin in April 2024.
The Prince further stated that energy efficiency played a key role in fast-tracking energy transition and the ministry has developed an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Policy, as well as the National Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan.
“National Energy Strategy for Energy Efficiency and Preservation Plan which sets out activities and targets for energy efficiency for the consumer and redacted energy efficiency measures in the country. The aforementioned renewable energy and energy efficiency measures align with the international climate ambitions of limiting the increase in average global temperatures to 1.5°C,” he said.
This effort by the government was commended by the Business Eswatini CEO, Nathi Dlamini who on behalf of the business community pledged support to these measures by the government. He expressed his concern over the country’s heavy reliance on South Africa and Mozambique, thus supporting such initiatives by the government.
“As you will undoubtedly agree with me, Eswatini’s heavy reliance on South Africa and Mozambique for 80 percent of its power requirements exposes the country to a range of strategic and geopolitical vulnerabilities,” Dlamini said.
The CEO further highlighted the necessity of exploring biomass and solar energy as alternative sources of power that can be adopted, reducing the reliance on South Africa and Mozambique for the supply.