Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s renewable energy ambitions have received a major boost with the discovery of significant geothermal potential, revealed by Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) Managing Director Ernest Mkhonta during a media stakeholder breakfast meeting. The breakthrough follows a geoscientific study conducted between September and December 2024, which confirmed 40–80 MW of viable geothermal capacity.
This finding overturns longstanding assumptions that the country had no geothermal prospects. “We have proven that there is potential, and this energy source can supply consistent electricity regardless of weather,” Mkhonta said, citing Kenya’s example where geothermal stations remain operational even during severe droughts.
The study involved nationwide sampling, geological surveys, and subsurface analysis, costing about USD 200,000. The next stage — proving the resource through drilling and testing — will require substantial investment. However, the long-term payoff could be transformative. Unlike hydropower, which is susceptible to droughts, geothermal energy offers a reliable, base-load power source.
Mkhonta emphasized that diversifying Eswatini’s energy mix is not just an environmental goal but an economic imperative. Currently, the country generates only 20–30% of its electricity demand locally, importing the rest mainly from South Africa and Mozambique. Geothermal capacity could reduce this reliance, shield the nation from volatile import tariffs, and enhance energy security.
The discovery complements EEC’s broader generation expansion efforts, including hydropower upgrades on the Usutu River and solar developments. By integrating geothermal into its portfolio, EEC aims to stabilize supply, control costs, and attract investment.
“Electricity is an enabler of progress,” Mkhonta said. “With geothermal energy, we are looking at a future where power disruptions are rare, tariffs are more predictable, and industries can operate without fear of load-shedding.”
If funding and technical expertise align, Eswatini could become a regional leader in geothermal development within the next decade. Such a leap would not only power homes and industries but also strengthen the kingdom’s position in Southern Africa’s renewable energy transition.
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