By Phiwa Sikhondze
Eswatini has secured electricity imports for the next 10 years, ensuring a stable energy supply while the country continues its transition towards renewable energy.
This was announced by the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) Managing Director, Ernest Mkhonta, during the third EU Green Power Transformation Forum at Happy Valley Hotel, supported by the EU Delegation in Eswatini and GET.invest, GIZ, and GET.Transform.
The current power purchasing agreement between South Africa’s Eskom and EEC will elapse next year.
Mkhonta confirmed that bilateral agreements have been secured, guaranteeing the country’s energy supply.
He emphasized that while this secures Eswatini’s energy needs, the focus now shifts towards ensuring the affordability of electricity, particularly for industrial users, who play a critical role in the country’s economic growth.
Speaking to an audience of energy stakeholders, Mkhonta stressed the importance of balancing energy security, pricing, and sustainability as Eswatini integrates renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the national grid.
“The challenge is to ensure that the electricity supply remains secure and affordable while moving towards environmental sustainability,” he said.
Mkhonta further explained that industrial consumers subsidize domestic users and that maintaining affordable energy for industries is vital to supporting economic growth. He added that the EEC is working closely with the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority to integrate Independent Power Producers (IPPs) into the grid without compromising the affordability of electricity.
The EEC has conducted studies to identify areas within the grid where new renewable projects can be integrated with minimal infrastructure costs, which will help keep tariffs low. Mkhonta assured attendees that the utility is committed to maintaining a secure energy supply while advancing renewable energy integration.