- Tsamela Solar PV Plant is the first project under ESERA’s 75 MW solar procurement programme.
- Project strengthens local power generation and reduces reliance on electricity imports.
- Over E400 million investment backed by Standard Bank and local participation.
Eswatini has marked a major step in its energy transition with the official launch of the 20 MW Tsamela Solar PV Plant, the first project to be delivered under the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority 75 MW Solar PV procurement programme.
The launch signals the start of a new phase in domestic power generation, aligned with ESERA’s mandate to enhance national energy security through locally produced electricity.
The event was attended by HRH Princess Sibahle, HRH Acting Chief Princess Salaphi, the Member of Parliament for Motshane, senior government officials, executives from ESERA and the Eswatini Electricity Company, representatives from Standard Bank, project developer Anthem, and other key stakeholders from the energy sector.
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Addressing attendees, HRH Acting Chief Princess Salaphi welcomed the project to the Enduma area and highlighted the community’s pride in hosting Eswatini’s first independent power producer of this scale.
The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy called on the Enduma community to protect and support the plant as a national asset, noting that community stewardship plays a critical role in building investor confidence and unlocking further generation projects across the Kingdom.
Anthem director Richard Gordon confirmed that the Tsamela project will prioritise local participation, with approximately 150 jobs expected during the construction phase and around 10 permanent positions during operations.
The project will operate under a 25 year power purchase agreement with the Eswatini Electricity Company. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with commercial operation targeted for mid 2027. Total project investment exceeds E400 million, with debt financing led by Standard Bank. Thirty percent of equity has been allocated to Eswatini investors, while thirty percent of the debt will be sourced locally.
Once operational, the plant is expected to generate 47 788 MWh in its first year, offsetting an estimated 4.8 percent of Eswatini’s electricity imports based on the 2025 EEC Integrated Report.
Speaking at the launch, the ESERA Chief Executive Officer described the project as the outcome of extensive regulatory processes, negotiation, and community engagement, underscoring the country’s commitment to increasing domestic electricity generation.
The ESERA Board Chair congratulated the Enduma community for being the first in the country to host a renewable energy independent power producer.
Tsamera is the first of five renewable energy IPP projects planned under the programme. Upcoming developments include a 10 MW Innovent project at Nsoko, a 15 MW Voltalia project in the Ndzevane area, and two 15 MW projects by Sturdee Energy at Bhalekane and Ngwenya.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Solis has an extensive distribution network across Africa. For enquiries on the African continent contact Solis Sales: sales@ginlong.com
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