20 April, 2011

Another positive step to promote green energy in Lesotho

Lesotho Renewable Energy Based Rural Electrification Project has travelled miles in promoting renewable energy in Lesotho. In this journey the project organised solar energy exhibition with a view to create a platform for networking and partnering between local, regional and international companies in the renewable energy industry. 

The exhibition was held on the 15^th April 2011 at the National Convention Centre, Maseru. It attracted about 30 exhibitors from Lesotho, southern and east Africa as well as a few representatives from across the globe.  Exhibitors included; relevant technical institutions, Government departments, renewable energy project, financial institutions and was dominated by solar energy companies. The exhibition was in two facets; first display of the technology including stall tours and official opening then presentations and certificate award session.

In addressing the guests during the official opening, the Deputy Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr Khomoatsana Tau said the exhibition was proposed at a time when there is a trending international growth of the renewable energy sector, as well as a notable rise in local demand for solar energy systems. He mentioned that about 90% of the rural households do not have access to grid electricinty ad therefore are depending highly on renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy.   

He further stated that the role of private sector in development of renewable energy cannot be undermined. It is through their initiative that the people of this country can receive sustainable electricity. “I now challenge the solar industry to realize this opportunity, partner with suppliers and manufacturers from outside the country and bring the technologies home” said Mr Tau.    

The crowd at the exhibition exceeded one‘s expectation, it attracted a high volume of school children, media houses and students from higher learning institutions as well. It simply proved how much the nation is hungry for clean energy. There was a variety of products, ranging from solar home kits, solar cookers, solar water heaters, solar garden lights to solar home systems.

Products at the exhibition

Speaking on the same occasion the Resident Representative of United Nations Development Program, Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie expressed her view of the exhibition as being a show of the state of the art in renewable energy technologies , but most importantly she said that it will only make its mark in history if the ultimate results can translate into the transformation of Basotho lives, and improve their ability to  find alternatives to cope with climate change induced incidents such as droughts, floods and other hardships. “Solar energy as a renewable, environmentally friendly energy has this potential” she added.

She pronounced that energy in its various forms is the main ingredient in household, commercial, health, transport, agriculture, manufacturing industry, education and for a myriad of other uses for human survival and development. Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie said this very ingredient will therefore, lead towards attainment of all the Millennium Development Goals. She challenged all the guests and urged them to think of what can be done together to use the country’s natural resources to lessen the impact of climate change in Lesotho.

The exhibition extended to the evening where local and regional expects presented topical solar energy issues to stakeholders. Dr. Molibeli Taele of the National University of Lesotho presented on the emerging technologies in the solar energy sector (efficiency and cost benefit analysis) while Professor PushPendra  Jain of the University of Botswana presented on achieving market led industry and enterprise development in the solar energy sector.

The presentations led to hot debate on issues relating to solar energy in the region and around the globe. Different delivery models were discussed; examples of Botswana and Namibia among others were sited where the Government deliberated in to public and private partnerships to relieve consumers the burden of high initial costs.  The issue of sustainable repair and maintenance of the systems was discussed, given different scenarios from neighboring countries.

It was also highlighted that the Kingdom of Lesotho falls amongst the countries with the highest level of solar radiation in the world, which translates in to more potential to produce energy from the sun. The benefits of solar energy were discussed; underlined were environmental, economic issues and relieve from grid electricity. Presenters acknowledged various innovations in solar PV applications such as the unique power purse; where energy finds u everywhere you are.

From these valuable discussions, it is believed that decision makers and all stakeholders were able to grasp some of the presented cases and will be able to adopt and or modify some of them going forward in to a greener energy future. Solar energy dealers and installers are urged to maximize on the lessons learned from this initiative; form strategic partnerships, bring the technology home and maximize on the natural resources Lesotho boast about.

All exhibitors were awarded certificate of attendance by the Director of the Department of Energy, Mrs. Mamokete Molapo and head of Energy and Environment Department of the United Nations Development Programme, Mrs Lineo Mdee during the presentation and certificate award ceremony. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Monyane Moleleki. The honour of the best stall award was presented to Mr Raymond Vaughan, the director of Hosbor – solar power lighting from South Africa, and this award was presented by the Honourable Minister in person.

The Minister of Natural Resources Presenting Best Stall Awared to Hosbor	One of the exhibitors - receiving certificate
By:  Ms. P. Motleleng Lesotho Renewable Energy (LREBRE) Contacts: p.motleleng@reu.gov.org; 22312288