Times Of Swaziland: EEC PROMISES KING 210 MEGAWATTS FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

EEC PROMISES KING 210 MEGAWATTS FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
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Mnelisi Dlamini on 02/03/2025 09:35:00


MAGUGA – Eswatini has the potential to generate 210 Megawatts (MW) of
electricity through a proposed project on the Ngwempisi River.
This follows the Maguga Hydro Power Station’s 30-MW generation capacity which
was toured by His Majesty the King yesterday.
Ingwenyama commissioned and officiated the hydro power production expansion by
Megawatts at Maguga Hydro Power Station. He also haerd the good news about the
Ngwempisi project.
The Ngwempisi River is projected to generate 120 or 60MW, depending on the
chosen generation method.
The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) Managing Director, Ernest Mkhonta,
explained that the proposed project would be located downstream on the Ngwempisi
River.
project
He stated that initial research has revealed potential project costs.
He stated that the research indicated a potential generation of 120MW during
peak hours and 60MW during off-peak times. Opting for 60MW would conserve water
during periods of shortage.
“We need to be able to generate electricity with conserved water during
difficult times,” he said.
Mkhonta added that the project would lead to the construction of additional
dams, aiding irrigation and providing potable water.
cost-effective
He noted that Maguga’s peak-hour electricity generation is more cost-effective
than imported electricity.
He estimated that Maguga’s current output could supply only Pigg’s Peak
town.
Mkhonta mentioned that Maguga has a potential of 10MW at the upper level, and
the Komati River has a potential of approximately 20MW.
Funding is still being sought for the Komati River project. However, the
Ngwempisi project could yield 120MW during peak hours.
power
He stated that this would add to the existing 60MW of hydro power generated in
Eswatini.
Using peak hours at Ngwempisi could bring the total hydro power generation to
210MW.
Peak hours are defined as three hours in the morning and two hours in the
evening.
“This will reduce our peak-hour electricity purchases, which currently stand
at 250 Megawatts,” he said.
Mkhonta emphasised the company’s vision of generating affordable electricity
domestically.
He mentioned that the proposed Ngwempisi River would require a joint venture for
construction.
A 2016 study indicated that domestically generated electricity would cost E5,
but the project was halted.
He noted that electricity generated at E5 would be sold at a higher price,
despite public complaints about high prices.