Lesotho Seeks Consultants for Floating PV Feasibility Study

Why It Matters

The project could dramatically improve Lesotho’s energy security by diversifying its power mix and reducing costly electricity imports, while showcasing floating solar as a scalable solution for land‑constrained African markets.

Key Takeaways

• LHDA invites consultants for floating PV feasibility on Katse, Mohale reservoirs
• Study will evaluate technical, economic, environmental, and social impacts
• Floating solar could exceed 100 MW, easing land-use conflicts
• Project aims to cut Lesotho’s near‑50% electricity import reliance
• Proposals due June 29; contract award expected by August

Pulse Analysis

Lesotho’s power sector is heavily dependent on imports, with almost half of its electricity purchased from neighboring countries. The nation’s existing 72 MW Muela hydro plant, fed by the Katse and Mohale reservoirs, provides a reliable backbone, but seasonal water variability and limited land for ground‑mounted solar constrain further expansion. Floating solar PV offers a hybrid approach that leverages existing water bodies, reduces evaporation, and sidesteps the contentious land‑use debates that have slowed renewable projects across the region.

The LHDA’s tender seeks a consultant to deliver a comprehensive feasibility study that goes beyond basic site assessment. By examining technical specifications, cost‑benefit analyses, financing structures, and environmental and social impact assessments, the study will lay the groundwork for a phased rollout of floating PV installations potentially exceeding 100 MW. Such capacity would represent a sizable addition to Lesotho’s generation portfolio, providing a steady, dispatchable source of clean energy that complements hydro output and reduces reliance on imported power. The inclusion of capacity‑building provisions ensures that LHDA staff will acquire the expertise needed to operate and maintain the systems once built.

If successful, the project could become a benchmark for other land‑scarce African nations exploring floating solar as a viable pathway to meet ambitious renewable targets. It signals growing investor confidence in the continent’s solar market, especially as the Africa Solar Industry Association reports a modest but expanding operational base of 34.3 MW in Lesotho. The initiative also promises job creation in engineering, construction, and O&M, while reinforcing regional energy independence and climate resilience.