As the second quarter of the year commences, the Energy Research Centre (ERC) at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) continues to engage in global platforms that shape the future of sustainable energy systems.

At the 6th International Conference on Solar Technologies and Hybrid Mini Grids to Improve Energy Access in Mallorca, Spain, ERC researchers Moruti Kao and Reabetsoe Sehobai are presenting research that reflects ongoing work within Lesotho’s energy sector.

Moruti Kao’s presentation, “Energy Access through Community Ownership: Operational Experiences from Two Pilot Mini-Grids in Lesotho,” draws from practical implementation experience and highlights the role of community ownership in enhancing the sustainability of rural electrification initiatives. His findings emphasise that direct community involvement strengthens accountability, improves system management, and supports long-term viability.

Reabetsoe Sehobai’s presentation, “Advancing Sustainable Hospitality Sector in Lesotho: Economic and Policy Insights from Energy Audits and Solar Thermal Modelling,” examines how solar thermal systems can be deployed to meet water heating demand in the hospitality sector. Her work demonstrates the potential of such systems to reduce pressure on the national grid, particularly in a context characterised by constrained transmission infrastructure, reliance on electricity imports, and relatively high tariffs.

Both contributions are rooted in ongoing work at NUL-ERC, including energy audits, feasibility studies, and collaboration with partners such as SOLTRAIN to support the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Participation in this conference, supported in part by SOLTRAIN and institutional backing from ERC, reflects the Centre’s commitment to advancing evidence-based, locally grounded solutions while contributing to global dialogue on energy access.