Will Lesotho be able to pilot a hybrid solar PV mini-grid?

Successful pilot hybrid solar PV mini-grid in Lesotho paves way for a further 10 mini-grids that will provide first-time energy access to 30,000 people and clean power to seven health clinics.

Is Lesotho launching a solar mini-grid project?

The second phase of a pioneering solar mini-grids project in Lesotho is underway following the completion of a pilot project funded by REPP in Ha Makebe village, north-east of Maseru.

Can a company build a minigrid in Lesotho?

There are other companies building minigrids in Africa, but OnePower is the only one to have accomplished the feat in Lesotho, and it’s not hard to understand why. Known as the kingdom in the sky, Lesotho is a small, developing country crossed by mountain ranges and rivers, making it difficult to get electricity to rural regions.

What is Lesotho's new mini-grid?

The pilot mini-grid and those of the planned larger portfolio are solar PV hybrids with battery storage and limited LPG backup generation. The hybrid nature of the design is to ensure 24-hour, year-round electricity supply, including Lesotho’s harsh winters.

Will edfi electrifi invest in Lesotho mini-grid portfolio SPV?

Brussels, 6 January 2022: EDFI ElectriFI, REPP, and 1PWR have reached financial close on Africa’s second largest project-financed mini-grid transaction. The equity-and-debt investment into the project vehicle, Sotho Minigrid Portfolio SPV, will fund the construction of a portfolio of 11 mini-grids in Lesotho with a total capacity of 1.8MW.

Could smart grids be a solution to a lack of infrastructure?

These smart grids have a huge potential and could be a solution of reliability of power transmission and distribution in developing countries which lack infrastructure. In US only 20% of the all carbon dioxide is been emitted by transportation while generation of electricity has 40% of the carbon dioxide emitting share in it.