In a significant step towards addressing energy poverty and embracing renewable solutions, the Kingdom of Eswatini has officially opened the search for a private partner to bring electricity to a remote, off-grid community. The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) has issued a formal invitation for bids to develop a comprehensive solar-plus-battery minigrid in Bulimeni, a community in the country’s southern region that currently has no access to the national electricity grid.
This project represents a critical move in Eswatini’s broader strategy to achieve greater energy access and security. The planned system is designed to be a self-sufficient power hub, comprising a 65-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic array coupled with a substantial 165 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery energy storage system. This combination is crucial, ensuring that the community has access to reliable power both during the sun-rich days and throughout the night. The initial aim is to provide clean, stable electricity to a minimum of 168 households, fundamentally altering the daily lives of residents who have historically relied on more polluting and expensive alternatives like kerosene, candles, and diesel generators.
The scope of work for the successful bidder is extensive, following a Design, Fund, Build, and Maintain model. This means the chosen private developer will not only be responsible for the engineering and construction of the entire minigrid system but will also secure the necessary financing and provide long-term operational management and maintenance. This public-private partnership approach allows the government to leverage private sector expertise and capital while ensuring the community receives a professionally run and sustainable utility service.
The bidding process is now officially underway. To ensure transparency and provide potential bidders with all the necessary information, ESERA has scheduled a bidders’ conference for November 6th, 2024. This will be immediately followed by a site visit to Bulimeni on November 7th, allowing developers to assess the terrain and local conditions firsthand. All formal bids must be submitted by the deadline of December 3rd, 2024.
This initiative highlights a key focus area in Eswatini’s energy landscape. While the nation currently has an estimated 28.7 MW of installed solar capacity, the vast majority of this comes from larger, grid-connected installations or small-scale commercial and residential systems. Minigrids, which are essential for powering remote areas where grid extension is technically challenging or economically unviable, currently represent only a small fraction of this total. The Bulimeni project is therefore seen as a potential pilot and a benchmark for future, similar developments across the country, paving the way for a more decentralized, resilient, and inclusive energy future for Eswatini.
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