Thursday, 26 September 2024
News — ESERA Showcases Commitment to Safe, Sustainable Energy at Trade Fair
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At the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) this year, the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) showcased its forward-thinking approach to energy regulation.
Positioned in the heart of Hall 1, ESERA’s stall drew attention to two pivotal initiatives – ensuring the safe regulation of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and driving the future of embedded electricity generation.
These initiatives formed the cornerstone of ESERA’s presence at the trade fair, shining a light on the regulator’s efforts to ensure energy safety and sustainability while engaging with the public on vital developments in Eswatini’s energy sector.
These initiatives are pivotal in ensuring energy safety, sustainability and economic empowerment for Emaswati, therefore, the trade fair offered a prime platform for engaging with the public and stakeholders.
The Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) has long been an essential component of the country’s energy mix, providing homes and businesses with an alternative energy source for various applications, from stoves to geysers and heaters.
The LPG industry however, remained unregulated until the passing of the Petroleum Act, 2020, which empowered the regulator to oversee the sector.
It is on this account that ESERA focused on raising public awareness about the significance of LPG regulation at the trade fair to bring to the spotlight its role in ensuring the safety and accountability of all industry players.
By issuing licences and conducting rigorous inspections, ESERA is helping to protect consumers by making sure that businesses comply with industry standards and environmental regulations.
This includes verifying that all LPG products and equipment are safely installed and operated, thus minimising the risk of accidents.
The regulator used interactive 3D video demonstrations to visually explain how its regulatory processes work in fuel quality and compliance monitoring at a fuel station. Visitors were shown what to expect at a filling station, , inspections, and compliance checks and were encouraged to bring fuel samples for testing—free of charge—if they were concerned about product quality.
Moreover, the regulator is not only focused on compliance but is also actively working to stimulate growth in the LPG market.
Since Eswatini has substantial potential for increased LPG usage, the regulator is creating an enabling framework that encourages investment while ensuring safety.
With the LPG industry now under proper regulation, the country can expect enhanced access to reliable, clean, and safe energy for both homes and businesses.
The other key focus at this year’s trade fair was embedded electricity generation, which ESERA is promoting as part of the country’s broader transition to green energy.
Embedded generation offers both environmental and economic benefits, allowing consumers to generate their own electricity and sell any excess back to the grid. ESERA’s Small-Scale Embedded Generation Framework allows owners of generation plants with a capacity of up to 1MW to export their surplus electricity to the national grid.
These consumers are compensated through a net-billing mechanism, which ensures that they receive compensation for the energy they provide.
This initiative is a vital step towards decentralising electricity generation and increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s overall energy mix.
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By providing financial incentives for green energy projects, the scheme encourages private investment in renewable energy, helping to reduce Eswatini’s dependence on traditional fossil fuels.
Visitors at the trade fair stall were particularly interested in how embedded generation can reduce power costs especially for small businesses and rural communities.
The ability to sell excess electricity provides an economic boost, while also supporting Eswatini's commitment to a greener, more sustainable energy future.
This proves the regulator’s commitment to ensuring that both producers and consumers can benefit from the transition to renewable energy, making it easier for everyone to participate in the country’s energy transformation.
Public Engagement
The most important part of the trade fair is that it provides a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the public, explaining how its regulatory efforts impact everyday life.
Many visitors were unaware of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into ensuring safe and reliable energy access. Through demonstrations and informative displays, the regulator was able to clearly communicate the importance of its role in regulating both the electricity and petroleum sectors.
Public interaction was particularly successful in raising awareness about how individuals and businesses can get involved in the transition to renewable energy. By fostering these connections, ESERA is helping to build a future where renewable energy plays a central role in the country’s development, aligning not only with the Energy Master Plan, but also with international commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
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