EEC PROMISES KING 210 MEGAWATTS FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

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. 

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