Professor Molibel Taele and Professor Himanshu Narayan (Department of Physics and Electronics, National University of Lesotho) and , L. Mokhutšoane, Electrification Unit, Department of Energy, Maseru
Abstract
This paper analyses solar energy resource potential and sustainable production of biomass energy in Lesotho. With daily average solar radiation varying from 5.5 to 7.2 kWh/m2 and about 3,200 – 4,000 sunshine hours per year, Lesotho’s theoretical solar power reception is about 60 x 1012 kWh per year. Assuming an efficiency of 70% for the process of using hydrogen as the energy carrier, providing the country’s projected energy forecast of 109 KWh per year by 2025 would require a 5 km2 array of 14% solar-to-electricity conversion efficient PV modules. This is less than the area presently occupied by hydroelectric power plants. Afforestation programmes and rigorous programmes aimed at conserving and promoting sustainable use of existing indigenous trees, as well as other wood resources has been on the increase for the past 10 years. The Appropriate Technology Services and some NGOs have constructed and disseminated a sizeable number of improved household and institutional stoves. These stoves save from 10% to 50% wood as compared to traditional methods and can reduce indoor air pollution by more than half. More than 2,500 stoves have been.