Development of a 60 MW utility-scale wind farm (12 × 5 MW turbines) in Mohale's Hoek, generating approximately 145 GWh annually, equivalent to around 15% of Lesotho's domestic electricity consumption. The project will supply domestic demand, reduce reliance on power imports from South Africa and Mozambique, and diversify Lesotho's renewable energy mix.
Project overview
Investment opportunity
The project offers an opportunity to finance and develop a utility-scale renewable energy asset serving a clearly identified domestic market. Approximately 45% of Lesotho's electricity consumption is currently imported, and the project is expected to supply around one-third of this import-replacement market. Total project costs are estimated at US$100.63 million, with an indicative financing structure comprising debt and equity. Opportunities exist for investors, lenders and development finance institutions to support project financing and implementation.
Investment types sought
Project status
Development stage
Structuring & preparation
Current status / progress to date
Wind resource assessments, sodar measurements, and grid connection, access and logistics feasibility studies have been completed. Environmental clearance was granted in September 2024. Power purchase and offtaker agreements, board approvals and sublease registrations have been finalised. Government support and EU development support have been secured, with financing activities ongoing.
Additional project information
- Lead agency
- Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC); developer: Hirundo Lesotho
Expected impact
Jobs created / supported
Construction is expected to create approximately 250-350 jobs at peak activity, while operation and maintenance of the wind farm are expected to support approximately 15-25 permanent positions.
Economic & development benefits
- Replace imported electricity, strengthening energy security and improving the balance of payments
- Create employment opportunities during construction and operations, while supporting local supply chains and skills development in the renewable energy sector
- Generate sublease income and economic benefits for participating local councils
- Support diversification of Lesotho's electricity generation mix and reduce reliance on imported power sources
Climate & resilience benefits
- Generate approximately 145 GWh of renewable electricity annually, reducing reliance on imported power and strengthening energy security
- Support the decarbonisation of the power sector through utility-scale wind generation
- Diversify Lesotho's renewable energy mix and reduce exposure to hydrological variability affecting electricity supply
- Enhance the resilience of the national energy system through increased domestic generation capacity
Contact
Contact team
For more information about this project, please contact the Commonwealth Investment Platform team.