By Phiwa Sikhondze
Eswatini’s energy sector is set for a significant boost as the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) prepares to benefit from Ubombo Sugar Limited’s (USL) ambitious plan to invest heavily in expanding its energy exports.
Currently supplying 16 megawatts of power to the national grid, USL has announced plans to increase this output to 40 megawatts, a move that EEC’s General Manager for Customer Service, James Mabundza described as “very good for our country.”
This expansion is expected to play a critical role in stabilizing electricity availability, reducing reliance on imported power, and supporting Eswatini’s long-term energy goals.
While 40 megawatts is the target, during his presentation at the recent Business Eswatini AGM, Mabundza hinted at the potential for even further growth, suggesting that the expansion could reach up to 60 megawatts in the future.
USL, a leading sugar producer in Eswatini, has been contributing excess electricity generated through its initiatives to the national grid. This partnership with EEC has proven mutually beneficial, as it reduces the country’s dependence on external sources like Mozambique’s EDM and South Africa’s Eskom.
By expanding its energy capacity, USL is not only helping meet Eswatini’s growing energy demand but also promoting environmentally friendly practices, as the power generated uses renewable resources like biomass from sugar production.
Eswatini’s energy sector has long faced the challenge of over-reliance on imported electricity, leaving the country vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. EEC’s partnership with USL is part of a broader strategy to reduce this dependency by increasing domestic production.
The expansion of USL’s energy output will provide EEC with a more reliable and cost-effective source of electricity, helping to insulate the country from the volatility of regional energy markets.