Approximately 80 jobs are expected to be created during the construction of the E200 million Nsoko Solar Power Plant, a renewable energy project expected to reduce Eswatini’s dependence on imported electricity.
The project, which was officially launched today by Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Sikhumbuzo Dlamini at Kamsholo Game Reserve, will be implemented by Innovent Eswatini.
Once construction is complete, the project will also create 10 permanent jobs to operate and maintain the facility.
The 10-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant will supply clean, renewable electricity to the national grid under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC).
The initiative forms part of government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security and reduce its heavy reliance on imported electricity, which has historically ranged from about 65% during favourable hydrological years to as much as 90% during droughts, when domestic hydroelectric generation is significantly reduced.
Once operational, the solar plant is expected to generate approximately 26 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually, contributing around 2% of Eswatini’s current electricity demand.
The output will be sufficient to supply electricity to an estimated 20 000 Emaswati each year.
Government says the project marks another milestone in expanding renewable energy generation while creating employment opportunities and supporting sustainable economic development.
