Electricity in Lesotho in 2022

In 2022, Lesotho's electricity consumption was characterized by a predominant reliance on low-carbon energy, particularly hydroelectric power. Almost all of Lesotho's electricity came from hydro sources, with close to none derived from fossil fuels. This dedication to low-carbon electricity places Lesotho in a favorable position environmentally, yet overall electricity consumption remains exceptionally low compared to global averages. On a per-person basis, Lesotho's electricity generation falls short of 100 watts, considerably below the global average of about 3813 watts per person. Such low electricity generation can have significant implications, including constrained economic development and limited access to modern amenities that require reliable and sufficient electricity. This situation highlights the vital need for Lesotho to expand its electricity generation capacity to improve both quality of life and economic prospects.

Suggestions

To augment its low-carbon electricity generation, Lesotho can learn from countries that have successfully increased their reliance on green energy sources. For instance, the rapid expansion of solar power in India, producing about 134 TWh, illustrates the potential of solar energy, especially in sun-rich regions similar to Lesotho. Additionally, several countries like Germany and Brazil have seen immense growth in wind energy, generating 133 TWh and 108 TWh, respectively. Following their footsteps, Lesotho can harness its natural wind and solar resources more effectively. Implementing policies that encourage private investment in clean energy technologies, improving grid infrastructure, and possibly exploring partnerships with countries that lead in these sectors can significantly boost its green energy output.

History

Historically, Lesotho's electricity landscape has seen gradual changes primarily through its development of hydroelectric power. From 2000 until recent years, investments in hydro expanded modestly. In the early 2000s, there were small increments in hydroelectric generation, notably in 2000 and 2005, but this was not a continuous trend. Occasional minor declines, such as in 2011 and 2019, underscore some instability in generation capacity, but not on a scale that critically harms its clean energy profile. The last two decades have showcased Lesotho's steadfast commitment to low-carbon sources despite fluctuating annual contributions. Sustained investment in maintaining and upgrading hydro facilities is imperative, alongside exploring additional clean energy opportunities to attain a more resilient and extended reach in electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources