Recently, The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), in partnership with GET.transform, launched the fourth and final workshop in a capacity-building series for the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC). The event forms part of Renewable Lesotho, an initiative established by Lesotho and the European Union as part of its Global Gateway cooperation. Renewable Lesotho supports both public and private sector partners in advancing the country’s green energy transition by strengthening regulatory frameworks, mobilising private investment, and facilitating innovative financing solutions.
The training gathered 15 LEC staff members to capacitate their expertise in power trading and market modelling strategies through PyPSA, which serves as an open-source toolbox for modelling, simulating and optimising power systems. During the session, participants examined the full scope of trading procedures within the SAPP markets. This includes exploring ways to develop and place orders, utilising Excel as a trading software and applying the PyPSA platform to determine bidding strategies. The programme also delved into updates to the PyPSA user interface, looking into the integration of AI-based modelling and considering the optimisation of hydropower plants in combination with wind and solar resources.
The training was delivered by consultants Mr. Priyesh Gosai, Mr. Graeme Chown, and Mr. Hans Bredesen, with GET.transform providing technical expertise and logistical assistance. By completing the series, the LEC staff is now equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage in power trading within SAPP.
This represents a significant milestone in Lesotho’s path toward active participation in the regional electricity markets. This development offers Lesotho the chance to expand its own electricity market, enhance national capacity and render the grid more flexible and resilient thanks to better regional integration.