Lesotho charges forward on renewables

Seizing energy sovereignty and economic opportunity

MOSA MAOENG

MASERU – Lesotho is harnessing its abundant natural resources – water, wind, and sun – to power a transformative renewable energy revolution.

With ambitious targets, including reaching 200 Megawatts (MW) of renewable capacity by the end of this year, the nation is actively reducing its reliance on costly electricity imports and striving towards universal energy access, positioning itself as a potential leader in Africa’s clean energy transition.

This drive towards renewables resonates powerfully with a global call to action underscored by United Nations secretary general, António Guterres.

In a landmark speech titled ‘A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the New Energy Era’ delivered at UN Headquarters in New York this week, Guterres articulated the compelling economic and security imperatives for embracing renewable energy.

Citing new data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Guterres highlighted a dramatic shift, that “Solar – not so long ago four times the cost of fossil fuels – is now 41 percent cheaper. Over 90 percent of new renewables produced electricity for less than the cheapest new fossil fuel alternative.”

He declared this more than a shift in power sources, calling it “a shift in possibility in repairing our relationship with the climate.”

“The greatest threat to energy security today is in fossil fuels,” Guterres asserted. “They leave economies and people at the mercy of price shocks, supply disruptions, and geopolitical turmoil. Just look at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A war in Europe led to a global energy crisis… Renewables can put power in the hands of people and governments.”

He emphasized that renewables offer “real energy security, real sovereignty, and real freedom from fossil-fuel volatility,” noting that solar and wind can be deployed “faster, cheaper, and more flexibly than fossil fuels ever could.”

This message holds profound significance for Africa, a continent Guterres noted is “bursting with renewable potential.”

He projected that by 2040, Africa could generate ten times more electricity than it needs, entirely from renewables. “We are already seeing small-scale and off-grid renewable technologies lighting homes and powering schools and businesses in remote areas,” he observed, a trend directly relevant to Lesotho’s mountainous terrain.

Lesotho is translating this global vision into concrete national action. Last month, the country took a significant step forward with the inaugural Lesotho Energy Access Dialogue (LEAD), held from June 25 to 26. Hosted by the Energy Research Centre (ERC) at the National University of Lesotho, in collaboration with Renewable Lesotho, the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), Get.Invest and the Ministry of Energy, the forum brought together key stakeholders to accelerate universal access and energy security.

Energy minister, Mohlomi Moleko, hailed the dialogue as a “historical milestone” and “a turning point in the national journey towards inclusive, resilient, and sustainable energy systems.”

Minister Moleko emphasized a collaborative spirit: “We are gathered not as stakeholders but as partners in progress, united by a shared vision to accomplish Sustainable Development Goal 7 – affordable and clean energy for all.”

The minister highlighted the tangible progress already underway. Energy initiatives, including the massive Lesotho Highlands Water Project – focusing on hydropower – Lowlands Water Projects, and dedicated renewable energy programmes, have already generated an estimated 20 000 direct and indirect jobs, signaling strong economic momentum within the sector.

Central to this national push is Renewable Lesotho, a joint initiative launched in 2023 by the European Union (EU) and the Lesotho government. This programme aims to significantly increase clean energy generation and improve energy efficiency across the country.

It promotes reliable and equitable energy access while bolstering leadership and capacity within the energy sector, aligning with Europe’s broader strategy for sustainable development partnerships.

Renewable Lesotho recognizes the diverse energy needs across the country. By focusing on tailored solutions, including small-scale and off-grid technologies, it aims to bring reliable, equitable, and affordable clean energy to uplift communities, particularly in remote areas where grid extension is challenging.

The urgency of this transition is amplified by Lesotho’s acute vulnerability to climate change impacts, including severe droughts and erratic rainfall patterns. Investing in clean, accessible, affordable, and sustainable energy is thus both an economic necessity and a critical climate adaptation strategy.

The benefits of Lesotho’s renewable journey are increasingly tangible. Projects are delivering reliable power to health centers, improving healthcare access. They are enabling businesses, enhancing agricultural productivity, and creating new livelihood opportunities, demonstrating that the clean energy transition is fundamentally about improving lives and building resilience.

Lesotho’s renewable energy strategy is a multi-faceted endeavor, harnessing its formidable natural resources, attracting vital investment through partnerships like Renewable Lesotho and forums like LEAD, and relentlessly focusing on the energy needs of its citizens.

From the ambitious 200MW target to the deployment of micro-grids in remote villages, the nation is demonstrating that the shift to renewables, championed globally by voices like Guterres, is not just possible but actively unfolding, offering a beacon of energy sovereignty and sustainable development for the region.

The journey is complex, but Lesotho is charging forward, powered by sun, wind, and water.