The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) Microgrid Project marks a significant milestone in the deployment of low-voltage microgrid solutions within the SADC region. The project was delivered through close collaboration between ERS, Hexing Group, Hexing Electrical South Africa (Pty) Ltd, and LIVOLTEK. Hexing Electrical South Africa acted as the EPC contractor, while LIVOLTEK supplied the core renewable energy technologies, including power conversion, energy storage, solar inverters, and the energy management system (EMS). The successful commissioning of this project represents a key breakthrough for Hexing Group in microgrid EPC delivery and demonstrates LIVOLTEK’s capability as a regional provider of integrated renewable energy systems.
Project Overview
The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) Microgrid Project marks a significant milestone in the deployment of low-voltage microgrid solutions within the SADC region. The project was delivered through close collaboration between ERS, Hexing Group, Hexing Electrical South Africa (Pty) Ltd, and LIVOLTEK.
Hexing Electrical South Africa acted as the EPC contractor, while LIVOLTEK supplied the core renewable energy technologies, including power conversion, energy storage, solar inverters, and the energy management system (EMS).
The successful commissioning of this project represents a key breakthrough for Hexing Group in microgrid EPC delivery and demonstrates LIVOLTEK’s capability as a regional provider of integrated renewable energy systems.
Addressing Power Instability and Energy Cost Challenges
Eswatini has historically faced power supply instability, with frequent outages lasting up to four hours per event. These interruptions have had a direct impact on economic activity and the operational continuity of key institutions.
As a major electricity consumer, ERS records an average monthly energy consumption of approximately 110 MWh. Prior to the project, diesel generators were relied upon to support critical loads during outages, resulting in monthly diesel consumption exceeding 1,000 litres. This reliance not only increased operational costs but also placed significant strain on the environment.
The Microgrid Solution
To address these challenges, LIVOLTEK, in collaboration with Hexing South Africa, designed and delivered a hybrid microgrid solution tailored to ERS’s operational requirements.
The system adopts an AC-coupled architecture, integrating:
Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
Energy storage battery cabinets (BESS)
Power Conversion Systems (PCS)
LIVOLTEK’s self-developed Energy Management System (EMS)
Existing on-site diesel generation
This configuration enables flexible, intelligent energy management while ensuring continuity of supply under both grid-connected and islanded conditions.
Key Project Highlights
Intelligent Energy Management
The microgrid is controlled by LIVOLTEK’s self-developed EMS, which provides real-time monitoring, data analytics, and intelligent control of all system components.
Core equipment deployed includes:
500 kW PCS
5 × 225 kWh Battery Energy Storage Systems
6 × 60 kW Grid-Tied Solar Inverters
The EMS supports multiple operational modes, including:
Peak shaving
Energy arbitrage
Load optimisation and transformer demand reduction
This significantly improves overall energy utilisation efficiency and system performance.
Seamless Power Supply and Operational Reliability
The system is connected at the 0.4 kV low-voltage level and supports black start functionality, enabling seamless switching between grid-connected and off-grid operation.
During grid outages, critical ERS loads continue to operate without interruption, substantially improving power reliability and operational resilience.
Environmental Impact and Renewable Energy Performance
The project delivers meaningful environmental benefits by reducing dependence on diesel generation.
Expected performance includes:
551.8 MWh of renewable energy generation in the first year
12,609.7 MWh of total generation over 25 years
Average annual output of 504.4 MWh
By displacing diesel consumption with solar and battery storage, the project contributes directly to carbon emission reduction and supports Eswatini’s green energy and sustainability objectives.
Economic, Environmental, and Social Value
Economic Benefits
Reduced electricity procurement costs
Significant reduction in diesel fuel consumption
Lower operational and maintenance expenses
These factors deliver measurable cost savings for ERS and improve long-term financial sustainability.
Environmental Benefits
Substantial annual reduction in diesel usage
Lower greenhouse gas emissions
Support for national sustainability and climate objectives
Replicability Across Africa
As Eswatini’s first operational microgrid project, this installation serves as a proven reference for other government institutions and public-sector facilities.
Its scalable and replicable design makes it a strong model for similar deployments across the SADC region and wider African energy markets.
A Regional Benchmark for Microgrid Deployment
This project represents Hexing Group’s first microgrid implementation in Eswatini, delivered using LIVOLTEK’s self-developed solar inverters, energy storage systems, and EMS platform.
From system design and procurement through to delivery and commissioning, Hexing Group assumed full EPC responsibility, establishing a new benchmark for renewable energy project execution in Southern Africa.
LIVOLTEK’s Role in Advancing the Energy Transition
As the core technology provider and system integration partner, LIVOLTEK demonstrated its expertise in delivering reliable, intelligent microgrid solutions using in-house developed renewable energy technologies.
The successful completion of the ERS microgrid project reinforces LIVOLTEK’s growing presence across the SADC region and highlights its role in supporting grid resilience, energy cost reduction, and sustainable development.
Looking Ahead
LIVOLTEK remains committed to an innovation-driven and sustainability-focused approach, delivering efficient and reliable renewable energy solutions for commercial, agricultural, municipal, and utility-scale applications.
Through continued collaboration with EPC partners and public-sector institutions, LIVOLTEK will support the ongoing energy transition across Southern Africa and beyond.
