World Small Hydropower Development Report 2013 - Lesotho

Abstract

Lesotho does not have any known indigenous sources of oil, coal or natural gas. About three quarters of its total energy demand is met by biomass fuels in the forms of wood, shrubs, animals manure and agricultural residues. The only other fuels consumed in significant quantities are mineral coal and paraffin. Lesotho has identified wind, solar and hydropower as potential renewable energy sources. Wind power potential of a few hundred MW has been identified, and there are currently three sites being investigated. The Government of Lesotho and UNDP/GEF have worked together to increase electricity access in their rural electrification programme. The main objective is the promotion of renewable energy for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by the substitution of paraffin and diesel with clean technology. A key target, for example, was the installation of 5,000 solar home systems by the end of 2012. Some 1,537 homes have been installed with the system. Another project with 500 solar units will be installed independently as a result of its influence. From January to April 2011, an average of 15 households per village in more than 10 villages had been electrified by independent installers.