Lesotho: 100%
Lesotho, the landlocked country surrounded by South Africa in the Maloti mountains, has been working to expand its renewable energy capacity. The country has significant potential for renewable energy development, particularly in hydropower, solar, and wind. Researchers have estimated that Lesotho has considerable potential for solar energy development due to the highlands region having ample space and sufficient sunlight; such efforts have already begun, including the construction of a solar power plant at Moshoeshoe I International Airport.
For now, hydropower is the dominant renewable energy source in Lesotho, thanks to its abundant water resources and mountainous terrain, which provide ideal conditions for hydroelectric projects. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is a key initiative, which is a network of tunnels and hydroelectric dams, generating both electricity and water supply for Lesotho and South Africa. However, due to seasonal variability, the country still relies on imports from neighboring South Africa to meet its energy needs during dry seasons.
Currently, only 50% of the country has access to electricity, and the country still relies heavily on imported electricity from South Africa. To address these issues, in their 10-year energy policy outline released in 2015, the government has promised to increase its use of solar energy-based outputs and continue to diversify their energy mix while reducing the import from South Africa.