- Lesotho Highlands Development Authority has issued a request for proposals for a feasibility study on floating solar projects at Katse and Mohale reservoirs.
- The initiative supports Lesotho’s efforts to reduce electricity imports, which currently account for nearly 50% of national power consumption.
- Existing 132 kV transmission infrastructure and encouraging pre-feasibility findings could accelerate the development of large scale floating solar capacity.
The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has launched a tender for consultancy services to undertake a feasibility study for the development of floating solar power plants on the Katse and Mohale reservoirs as part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).
The LHWP is a multi-phase, bilateral initiative between the Governments of the Kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa, established under a treaty signed in 1986. The LHDA is responsible for implementing, operating and maintaining the project within Lesotho.
Under Contract LHDA No. 1402, the selected consultancy firm will be tasked with carrying out a comprehensive feasibility study and related complementary assessments for floating solar photovoltaic developments on the two reservoirs.
The project forms part of Lesotho’s broader strategy to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imported electricity. The country currently imports close to 50% of its electricity requirements and is pursuing a range of renewable energy investments to improve domestic generation capacity.
The LHDA, which already generates hydroelectric power through the LHWP, has identified renewable energy expansion as a strategic priority. The authority aims to leverage existing infrastructure within the project area, including 132 kV transmission lines linking Katse, Mohale and the future Polihali area to Maseru, as well as the established road network supporting project operations.
Pre-feasibility studies conducted by the Energy Research Centre at the National University of Lesotho found significant potential for floating solar photovoltaic deployment on both reservoirs, providing the basis for the next phase of project development.
According to the LHDA, the immediate priorities include completing the full feasibility study, undertaking additional technical and environmental investigations, and preparing for the financing and construction of utility scale floating solar power plants sized according to the study’s recommendations.
Download the full tender document here: CONTRACT LHDA NO1402 FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLOATING SOLAR POWER PLANTS IN KATSE AND MOHALE RESERVOIRS
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
