In an effort to bridge the electricity access gap and encourage more private sector participation, Lesotho has been exploring different electrification options outside of grid expansion. The Department of Energy, together with GET.transform recently hosted a 5-day Off-Grid Workshop in Maseru, Lesotho. This workshop marked the second of a three-part training series, with the first session already successfully concluded.
The workshop was facilitated through the Renewable Lesotho Programme, a joint initiative between Lesotho and EU-funded programmes aimed at increasing clean energy generation and energy efficiency in Lesotho. The programme promotes reliable and equitable access to energy while enhancing leadership and capacity within the energy sector.
In early July, the event saw the participation of over 26 attendees from both the public and private sectors, including representatives from the Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy, Rural Electrification Unit, Lesotho Electricity and Water Authority, Lesotho Electricity Company, UNDP, World Bank, Technologies for Economic Development, The NUL Energy Research Centre, One Power Lesotho , and MOSCET Lesotho. It was expertly facilitated by INENSUS and GFA.
During the workshop, insights were shared on off-grid rural electrification, mini-grids, delivery models, and introduction to off-grid procurements. The aim was to enhance the technical capacity of public and private institutions to develop and implement bankable off-grid auction frameworks and projects.
The next part of the workshop, scheduled for August, will offer a deep dive into mini grids, including financial models, business plans, technical design details, regulation, and policy. Additionally, innovative business models for nano grids and other stand-alone systems will be investigated. The upcoming session will also include discussions on the ongoing review of the Mini-grid Regulations of 2021 in Lesotho.
