Lesotho, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, has for years faced significant challenges in providing electricity to its citizens, particularly in rural areas. Known for its rugged mountains and dispersed population settlements, the country’s picturesque landscape belies its energy access disparities, with many remote communities lacking basic electricity infrastructure. Recent strides in renewable energy projects, however, are turning these challenges into opportunities, aiming to improve energy access and foster sustainable development across the nation.
According to the World Bank, only 23% of the rural population in Lesotho has access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, which reflects a persistent gap in energy provision. The country’s hydropower capacity of 74 MW covers less than half of its peak demand of 180 MW, necessitating imports from South Africa and Mozambique through the Southern African Power Pool grid interconnection.
On the other hand, Lesotho boasts abundant solar and hydropower resources. For example, the country receives an average solar radiation of 5.5-6.0 kWh/m²/day which is ideal for solar energy projects. However, only 17% of these resources are currently being exploited.
Against this background, Lesotho has viewed renewable energy projects to be pivotal not only for providing reliable electricity, but also for transforming rural and underserved areas by boosting economic opportunities and promoting environmental sustainability.
Renewables’ impact on sustainable development
Initiatives like the Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project, supported by the International Development Association, have marked the beginning of Lesotho’s commitment to harnessing its natural resources for sustainable energy solutions.
Projects such as a 70 MW solar PV park, with a current capacity of 40 MW and another 30 MW in the pipeline, and a 20 MW privately owned mini-grid have significantly improved electricity access in remote regions. These projects not only illuminate homes but also empower local economies. One key example is Ha Makebe, a village north of the capital Maseru, where 200 households have been connected to a solar mini-grid. The next phase of the project will see 30,000 people and seven health clinics connected. With access to electricity, small businesses can extend their operating hours and safely store perishable goods which will bolster economic stability and improve consumer access.
Furthermore, access to electricity has transformative impacts on education and community safety. In villages that were previously reliant on biomass for cooking and candles for light, children can now arrive at school on time and study under safe and adequate lighting conditions after dark. According to the Clean Cooking Alliance, this shift is likely to reduce the health risks associated with indoor air pollution from biomass smoke and will therefore foster healthier and more resilient communities.
Implementation challenges
The Lesotho Energy Policy 2015-2025 guides the sector towards sustainability, emphasizing energy resource development, efficiency, and modern energy services in line with Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. However, as noted by the World Bank, despite these frameworks, project implementation is being hindered by funding gaps, a lack of community engagement and limited technical expertise.
International partnerships and development aid play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. Initiatives like the Southern African Solar Thermal Training & Demonstration Initiative, funded by the Austrian Development Agency, are providing essential training for local technicians and entrepreneurs. In addition, projects like the Renewable Lesotho Project, supported by the EU with €15 million and co-funded to the tune of €860,000 by the German government, demonstrate collaborative efforts to scale up renewable energy initiatives in Lesotho.
What to expect
Lesotho’s vulnerability to climate change further highlights the importance of investing in clean, accessible, and sustainable energy solutions. Projects like the upcoming Polihali Dam, which is expected to add 80 MW to the national grid by 2028, demonstrate the potential for hydropower expansion in the country. With additional potential from wind power and other renewable sources, Lesotho can achieve energy independence, potentially becoming a clean energy exporter, contributing to regional energy security and economic development, and reducing energy import expenses according to Paola Amadei, Ambassador of the European Union to Lesotho, speaking at the launch of the EU-funded project Low Carbon Economy Transformation through Sustainable Energy Modernization and Access. She further emphasized that for this to happen, there has to be strong collaboration between local and international partners.
