Astra Energy, LNDC ink deal for 100MW energy project in Lesotho

Astra Energy, an Independent Power Producer (IPP), has initiated a partnership with the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) to develop 100 MW of renewable energy in Lesotho.

The deal which is under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement, aims to significantly increase Lesotho’s installed electrical capacity, potentially doubling it. Success of the project will also create both direct and indirect jobs and positively affect other sectors of the economy that primarily rely on a consistent and cost-effective supply of electric power.

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Diversity

Lesotho, a landlocked country surrounded by South Africa, currently has a modest installed capacity of 77 MW to serve a population of approximately 2.2 million, according to the World Bank. The majority of this electricity, about 95%, is generated from hydroelectric schemes. Astra Energy’s investment in renewable energy projects could diversify Lesotho’s electricity mix, potentially reducing its reliance on hydroelectric power.

In addition to the partnership in Lesotho, Astra Energy has undertaken other projects across sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, the company has committed to developing a 50 MW energy park in the Zanzibar archipelago, combining solar power and waste-to-energy conversion. Additionally, Astra plans to construct a 350 MW natural gas combined-cycle power plant on the Tanzanian mainland. Both projects in Tanzania aim to supply electricity to the utility and contribute to the region’s energy infrastructure development.