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USTDA Provides Feasibility Grant for 20MW Solar PV Project in Lesotho

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Pic: OnePower signed a grant agreement with the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for project preparation studies for the Neo 1 project. The signing ceremony was held on May 23 in Maseru with US Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales, OnePower CEO Matthew Orosz, and former Minister of Energy and current Minister of Home Affairs Mokoto Hloale. Credit One Power
  • The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has announced that it has awarded a feasibility study grant to Lesotho’s independent power producer, OnePower Lesotho.
  • The company will use the unspecified sum for a feasibility study relating to a long-planned 20 MW solar power project in the country’s Mafeteng district.
  • The study will be conducted by U.S.-based CDM International, which is said to be finalizing the remaining preparatory work needed for the project to attract financing and reach implementation.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a feasibility study grant to OnePower Lesotho to develop a 20-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant in western Lesotho. The plant will support the country’s goal of achieving 90 percent electricity access by 2020, with renewable generation comprising at least 200 MW of its capacity.

The project will also create opportunities for American firms to supply renewable energy solutions to Lesotho. Boston-based CDM International Inc. (CDM Smith) (Boston, MA) will conduct the study, which will finalize remaining preparation work the project needs to attract financing and reach implementation.

“Our partnership with OnePower and CDM Smith will transform Lesotho’s energy sector, as well as demonstrate how U.S. expertise can advance the development of sustainable infrastructure,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Director (Acting). “This unique project – the first utility-scale solar plant in Lesotho – represents what USTDA is all about.”

“We look forward to working with USTDA and having their support,” said Dr. Matt Orosz, Chief Executive Officer at OnePower. “USTDA’s contributions will ultimately allow Lesotho to harness its solar resources and provide a starting point for energy sector growth and development in the country.”

U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho Rebecca Gonzales added: “My colleagues and I enthusiastically support developments that increase electricity access, and the OnePower project can one day make Lesotho energy independent, and a net exporter of energy in the future.”

Author: Bryan Groenendaal

Source: USTDA

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