Carbon emissions produced during the generation of electricity put the lives of humans, animals, and the environment in danger. Extreme weather, interruptions in the food supply, and an increase in wildfires are just a few of the numerous environmental and health repercussions of carbon emissions. To restrict the deadly carbon emission into the environment, the world, therefore, needs to act and speak with one voice more than ever.
When producing power, states around the world are expected to limit environmental pollution. To meet the needs of the population, they are urged to generate electricity from renewable sources.
In reality, the lack of energy has turned into a barrier to poverty eradication in developing nations. It is true that severe energy shortages in many developing nations, including Ethiopia, have led to the deforestation of the continent’s forest resources. Despite all of the potential, Ethiopia’s energy industry is still in its infancy. A large portion of the populace lacks access to power.
Considering this, Ethiopia’s consecutive administrations have made a commitment to generate and distribute power to its citizens. Ethiopia, in contrast to many other nations, generates power using renewable energy, which is essential for reducing the adverse effects of climate change.
Bahir Dar University Political Science and International Relations Assistant Professor Yayew Genet told the Ethiopian Herald that Ethiopia’s endeavor to produce electricity using renewable sources is an example for other nations to follow since it provides a great way for Ethiopia to escape poverty without endangering other nations by fully utilizing the country’s natural resources.
Minister of Water and Energy Engineer Habtamu Itefa (PhD) said that Ethiopia has undertaken numerous initiatives to encourage the use of clean, renewable energy sources nationwide. The nation intends to use green hydrogen technology to reduce climate change, conserve energy, and switch from the use of fossil fuels to green energy. As a result, the nation seeks to establish a green hydro energy sector.
A win-win tie can be established when Ethiopia develops its water energy from dams taking into account neighboring nations and other interests based on the international agreement. Environmental effects result from Ethiopia exporting and distributing electricity to its neighbors, including Djibouti, South Sudan, and Kenya. He claimed that by using renewable energy to generate electricity, Ethiopia is helping the entire world.
It is true that using renewable energy to generate electricity is insufficient. Because the environment’s health and safety as well as the health of people should be taken into account when designing any project that produces power.
By generating electricity from a variety of renewable energy sources, Ethiopian Electricity Power (EEP) has helped the nation prosper. To fulfill its expanding energy needs, the organization has erected a number of power plants, electricity transmission lines, and distribution stations, all of which are still under development.
The construction of these electrical infrastructures is preceded by a number of preparatory activities for environmental and social welfare. Tadesse Biru, director of EEP’s environmental safety and health division, claims that numerous studies have been done before the construction of any electrical infrastructure in terms of social, economic, and environmental benefits. To lessen the negative impact and adjust appropriately, opinions from stakeholders, people, and government agencies will be gathered and discussed from district to region.
As indicated by EEP’s ten-years plan, projects will be thoroughly checked against the environmental safety and health requirements and will be put into operation when they have a negative impact on the people and the environment.
When communities are relocated or removed from an area to construct any project, the government via EEP always upholds its obligations. It also pays compensation and performs resettlement tasks based on the rules and guidelines set by the country, he explained.
For instance, farmers used to graze their livestock in the area where the Wolaita Converter Station was built. However, EEP constructed a cattle fodder processing facility in the area so that their cattle do not face fodder shortages.
In addition, EEP gave 11 boats to the youth to resume water transportation and maintain social interaction between the local communities where the water of the Gibe III hydroelectric power station was lying. It also supports the youth to engage in fish farming. Therefore, EEP fulfilled its social responsibility by enabling the local communities to benefit from health, education, and electricity, he elucidated.
Ethiopia produces energy using the nation’s potential renewable and natural resources, which have very low carbon emissions. This clearly demonstrates EEP’s efforts and dedication to assisting global efforts to combat climate change.
Firewood is the most common energy source in the nation due to the way of life there, which contributes to deforestation and higher carbon emissions. EEP strives to enhance access to power as part of its ten-year development strategy to shift the people’s lifestyle from firewood to electricity which lessens the effects of climate change and promotes sustainable growth.
Another element that harms the environment and contributes to climate change is transportation. Therefore, he stated that EEP is trying to assist the use of electric cars across the nation since the government started to encourage their usage.
If electricity is not managed properly, it can seriously hurt both the worker and the users, impacting health and safety. To improve societal awareness, EEP has been working and requires its workers to follow safety and health procedures.
Therefore, EEP always ensures that the contractors are experienced and accredited in environmental safety and health care before allowing foreign and domestic contractors to begin the building of any projects.
In general, from the initial concept through the final stage of any project work, the adverse effects of projects on the environment and human health have been assessed. As a result, the local community and other stakeholders would be consulted and involved in the implementation of the findings, he said.
People have been forced to endure significant suffering due to environmental issues and the effects of climate change, such as land degradation, flooding, soil erosion, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and so forth. As a result, producing electricity from renewable sources should be promoted, received widespread attention, and be praised. Because the usage of energy has a great effect on the environment and has led to extremely high carbon emissions.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 8 AUGUST 2023
