Set to transform Ethiopia’s energy sector
ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP) has announced that the Aysha Wind Farm Project, boasting a capacity of 120 MW, is 82% complete, marking it as nearing finalization.
EEP Communication Director, Moges Mekonnen, told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the construction is progressing on schedule. He noted that eight turbines, collectively generating 80 megawatts, are now fully operational and the process of connecting them to the national grid has commenced.
“Efforts are ongoing to connect the remaining 40 megawatts to the grid, although financial challenges over the past two years delayed the turbine installations,” Moges explained. However, EEP has taken proactive measures to advance the project using its own funds, bypassing the need for external financing.
Upon completion, the Aysha Wind Power Project is expected to significantly improve power distribution to areas in need. Moges highlighted that Aysha is among four wind power projects, alongside two located in Adama and another in Ashegoda. Among these, Aysha is regarded as particularly efficient due to its favorable location for wind energy generation, enhancing its feasibility and output potential.
The project has also opened opportunities for local investors. Recently, the government signed an agreement with Amea Power to facilitate private investments supporting the project, with an ambitious plan to generate up to 300 megawatts of power.
This initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s goal of leveraging wind energy to strengthen its electricity supply. Additionally, EEP is gearing up to launch several wind power projects across different states in the near future, Moges revealed.
Ethiopia is diversifying from hydroelectricity into wind, solar, and geothermal energy to meet rising energy needs, build resilience, and foster economic growth. Projects like Aluto-Langano geothermal and Ashegoda Wind Farm support its 2025 electrification goal within the Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2024
