Linakaneng in the Mokhotlong district –installations have begun

The Lesotho Renewable Energy-Based Rural Electrification Project (LREBRE) brings hope to thousands of households in remote areas of Lesotho whose hopes of being connected to the national electricity grid is remote and may only be attainable many years from now.

The project is focused on MDG 7 "Ensuring environmental sustainability", by introducing  renewable energy technologies reducing the need for fossil burning energy sources and thus reducing carbon emissions. However, it also supports the broader objective of poverty eradication (MDG1) by providing affordable, sustainable energy to the most remote areas of Lesotho, allowing these communities a better chance to participate in the national economy. Lastly, it is worth to note the important health benefits as people will no longer be burning paraffin or other sources of energy emitting smoke in often small and confined spaces.

The project is funded by UNDP through the Global Environment Facility and supports the efforts of the Department of Energy in the Ministry of Natural Resources. It commenced in 2007 and aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from reducing dependence on fossil fuels such as paraffin and diesel by introducing renewable energy technologies, especially solar electricity in Lesotho’s remote areas. The project also aims at improving the livelihoods of rural communities by making access to these modern and clean energy services easy and affordable. In the process, Lesotho’s solar energy sector will be boosted to ensure that excellent and sustainable services are delivered to the nation, beginning with the pilot districts of Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka, and Qacha’s Nek.
 

Local PV installers working hard in Thaba

Energy is a basic human need and currently, the majority of households in remote areas of Lesotho rely on biomass fuels such as wood for cooking and heating; and using candles and paraffin for lighting. Other sources of energy such as gas, batteries, and generators are used by a minority as they are a too expensive for most households.

Eleven villages were targeted in the three pilot districts to kick-start the electrification process. A series of public gatherings were held in all the villages. The main purpose of these gatherings was to introduce the Photo Voltaic (PV) solar companies to the communities and to answer any of their questions and concerns. At these gatherings, through a demand driven process, people signed up to qualify for installations.

In December 2008 three local PV installers brought their teams to some of the most remote areas in Lesotho; among the mountains, on windy and degraded roads- far from the national electricity grid they have begun installing 65watt PV solar systems in remote rural homes.

Although the systems are subsidized by the Government of Lesotho, the rural customer must pay a R50 deposit and the remainder of the payments is spread out over a time period agreed upon between the installer and the customer.

Example of solar energy

The systems being installed will replace the need to use candles and paraffin for lighting; and provide entertainment through radio and television. Each home can install 2 lights and have the option to plug in other electrical devices; such as, a radio, television, or a cell phone.

When a rural customer was asked whether he has bought candles and paraffin since his system was installed his answer was a definite “no”- which would save him at least R60/month. When asked whether he was satisfied with his system he proclaimed a resounding “haholo”- “very”!

Solar panel in Ha Labane

In Thaba Tseka, a young Basotho man with a large smile brightening his face proudly displayed his stereo system that was plugged in to the PV solar system.

In 2008 the Government of Lesotho subsidized 62 PV solar systems through the LREBRE project and hopes to subsidize 1,188 in 2009. Furthermore, with capacity growing in the private sector, those willing to pay full price, or utilize credit provided by the installer though a credit guarantee scheme will be able to easily employ a local PV installer to provide a quality system to their rural home; therefore, immensely increasing access to sustainable energy in Lesotho.