MBABANE - The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) has taken a major step towards expanding the Maguga Hydropower Station by an additional 10 megawatts (MW) as part of efforts to increase local electricity generation and reduce dependence on imported power.
The utility has issued a tender seeking an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor to design, finance and implement the expansion project, which will increase the station’s installed capacity from 20MW to 30MW.
EEC Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager Khaya Mavuso, said the opportunity to expand the hydropower station had existed for several years and formed part of the company’s long-term renewable energy strategy.
“The opportunity to expand the Maguga Hydropower Station has existed for several years and forms part of EEC’s long-term strategy to increase local electricity generation from renewable energy sources,” said Mavuso.
He explained that when the existing hydropower station was originally developed, provision was made for the future installation of an additional generating unit should technical, hydrological and financial conditions allow.
According to Mavuso, various studies conducted over the years confirmed the potential to increase generation capacity at the station. However, implementation of the project was delayed by financial constraints and competing infrastructure investment priorities.
“As part of EEC’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imported electricity in alignment with the National Energy Policy 2018, the company has now issued a tender seeking an engineering, procurement and construction contractor capable of providing both the technical solution and financing for the project,” he said.
The expansion is expected to maximise the available hydropower potential at Maguga Dam while contributing to national energy security objectives.
Addressing concerns about whether the dam can sustain an additional 10MW generating unit, Mavuso said previous technical assessments and feasibility studies had already identified sufficient potential for expansion.
“Yes. The decision to proceed with the procurement process is informed by previous technical assessments and feasibility studies which identified the potential for an additional generating unit at the existing facility,” he said.
He added that bidders would be required to undertake detailed hydrology reviews, hydraulic analyses and engineering studies to confirm the final technical solution and ensure sustainable operation of the facility.
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EEC is resuming the process of increasing the hydro electricity power generation at Maguga. (Courtesy Pic)