Lower Maguga Hydro Power Scheme and Maguga Hydro Power Station
Client
Eswatini Electricity CompanyLocation
Hhohho, EswatiniHighlights
- Renewable energy project designed to optimize and expand the hydropower generation in the Komati River, downstream of the Maguga Dam
- Stakeholder engagement with three chiefdoms across the project area
Project Overview
The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) has identified that the need for electricity in the Kingdom of Eswatini will increase to a maximum of 350 MW in the next 20 years. The EEC has proposed to expand the existing Maguga Power Station and establish a hydropower facility downstream of the existing Maguga Power Station on the Komati River (Lower Maguga).
Project Role
Knight Piésold was appointed for the feasibility study. Services included:
- Environmental scoping study
- Aquatic ecosystem assessment
- Stakeholder engagement
- Geotechnical investigations
- Options study
- Feasibility design
The purpose of the options study was to provide a high level technical, financial, and economic assessment of the various scheme layouts and capacities for the Lower Maguga Hydro Power Scheme and for the expansion at the existing Maguga Hydro Power Station to determine an optimal layout and size based on the available water and associated head for hydropower generation potential.
The optimal scheme layout and size will be investigated in more detail during the next phase of the feasibility study.
The project was categorized by the Eswatini Environment Authority as a Category 3 project for which a full environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required. Knight Piésold undertook a scoping phase study as a precursor to the EIA, while technical information is still preliminary.