FIRST 7.5MW GOVERNMENT RENEWABLE ENERGY TENDER RELEASED

MBABANE – The government declared earlier this year that it will spend more than E1 billion on renewable energy, and the first chance has been made available for businesses.

The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development is now seeking proposals to undertake feasibility studies for renewable energy and energy efficiency investments up to a combined capacity of 7.5 MW in the country. This is the first government tender for renewable energy to be released for a 7.5 MW capacity following the budget speech by the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg.

This was revealed by the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Thabsile Mlangeni, in a statement. Mlangeni said the opportunity was made possible by the financial assistance from the "Support to Agriculture Value Chains via Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Investment in Eswatini" programme of the European Union. She said the full guidelines for applicants were available for consultation at the National Authorising Office at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Aid Coordination and Management Section.

According to an electrician, an average house uses around 900 kWh per month, or around 30 kWh per day. Multiply this by 0.25 and get 7.5M.W. A typical solar panel produces up to 120 watts, or 0.12 kW, per day. To provide 7.5 kW, you need about 62 panels. The procurement of these solar panels was estimated to cost above E100 million. The government has assured to invest more than E1 billion in renewable energy sources. They said the private sector will have access to procurement opportunities through work and services. Subsequently, the government will release tenders for a variety of authorised renewable energy projects.

The Ministry of Natural Resources will use the E1.09 billion budget, an increase of E561 million Emalangeni from last year's allotment, to accomplish these activities, including access to clean water and power. This was mentioned by Minister of Finance Neil Rijkenberg. The minister said the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) has approved the implementation of the 75 MW Solar PV, 13.6 MW Lower Maguduza hydropower plant, 33 MW Maguga Expansion, and Lower Maguga Hydro Power Plants. 80 MW of biomass power generation capacity, in addition to the already approved 40MW, has been assessed and confirmed viable for an additional generation.

He said the country was also assessing the market for the development of wind generation capacity. “All these projects are expected to add to the installed capacity and will contribute to the achievement of national security of supply and the target of at least 50 per cent of renewable energy in the country's electricity mix,” he said. Despite the nation's efforts to increase its domestic generation, Rijkenberg claimed that the Rural Electrification Programme, which takes into account both on- and off-grid options depending on the location of recipients, has achieved great strides in expanding access to power.

He mentioned that in order to help the disadvantaged Emaswati who are unable to wire their homes, they have further created a model for the installation of Distribution Ready Boards. The minister added that by doing this, the rate of electrification in the nation would be accelerated, the 2030 target would be cost-effectively met, and the use of resources would be maximised. “Eswatini is one of the leading countries in the SADC region that has invested substantially in boosting access to electricity, with a National electrification rate of 83 per cent. This is higher than the average for Africa, which stands at 40 per cent. Also, as reported by the World Bank, in 2020, Eswatini ranked 8th in the SADC region for access to clean fuels and technologies, with a score of 74.7 per cent,” he added.

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