Recently, the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of China's aid to the Lesothoma Feiteng Photovoltaic Power Station project was held. The designed installed capacity of this project is 50 megawatts. After completion, the total installed capacity of the project will be increased to 80 megawatts, effectively alleviating the power shortage in Lesotho.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in Ramarotol town, Mafeteng region, western Lesotho. Lesotho Prime Minister Matkaine expressed his appreciation for the first phase of the project in his speech, stating that it marks a solid step forward for Lesotho in enhancing energy security and promoting energy transformation. He believes that the project will further consolidate the friendship between Lesotho and China.

Matkane said that after the completion of the Mafuteng Photovoltaic Power Station project, it will complement the 72 MW Mueela Hydropower Station, significantly reducing Lesotho's dependence on imported electricity and saving nearly 1 billion Maroti (approximately 56 million US dollars) annually, which can be used for other key areas related to national development. Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun stated that China's achievements in emerging technologies bring opportunities and empowerment to the world. Mafeiteng PV power station project is one of the important achievements of the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation in 2018. It is hoped that China and Laos will work together to create high-quality projects and set a new benchmark for China Laos cooperation.

The first phase of the Mafeiteng Photovoltaic Power Station project started construction in December 2020, was completed in April 2023, and held a completion ceremony in June. According to the project contractor, the Mafeiteng Photovoltaic Power Station project is expected to generate approximately 95 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually after completion. In addition, the project will create more than 1000 job opportunities for the local area and help train photovoltaic technology talents for Laifang.Editor/Gong Ziwei