Ethiopia has been recognised with rounded political and economic development which had laid the foundation to become a lower middle income country in the nearest future. It has been confirmed that Huge foreign and local investments in various important sectors are booming consistently.
In order for economic growth to prevail, the demand for electricity has enlarged significantly at 25 percent every year. Hence, to meet the demand of the nation’s prompt economic growth, supplying dependable and sufficient power is required.
As a matter of fact, Ethiopia has been harnessing its vast water resources in a bid to generate electricity so that the steady economic growth would not be interrupted. So far, the country has managed to own a capacity over 4238 Mega Watt per annum. What is more remarkable is that the power is produced in an environment friendly fashion and is availing an indispensable advantage during incidences of drought. However, Sudan, Djibouti and Kenya are already interconnected with Ethiopia by all economic endeavors including power.
In order to sustain the constant use of electricity, the Ethiopian Electric Power is also underging Gibe III Hydro Power Plant which has gone fully operational and expected to add additional 1800 MW.
In a deal to satisfy over 100 milion people deserving the frequent availability of power supply, Ethiopia has projected to build additional mega projects intended to produce 12,000 MW by 2020. The project is an additional cost of 25 billion dollars. As one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies, Ethiopia wants to become a manufacturing hub and Africa’s top energy exporter by tapping the numerous rivers that cascade through its highlands.
It was stated that Ethiopia already sells little amount of power to neighbors Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti. It has signed memorandums of understanding with South Sudan, Tanzania and Rwanda, while an underwater power link with Yemen is also in the pipeline. Once Ethiopia’s grand plans are complete, it wants to export power to countries in North and southern Africa and beyond.
“We have sufficient resources to power a very large part of Africa,” said Azeb Asnake, CEO of Ethiopian Electric Power.
In addition, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam launched in 2011 with massive mobilization of the people and government of Ethiopia has reached its construction to 57 percent. The 4.7 billion dollars project is expected to produce 6450 mega watt electricity, besides its huge economic and political benefit. More than 11000 foreigners and Ethiopians are working 24 hours to realize the dam in the set time. The dam is regarded as game changer for Ethiopia and the region in history as it can strengthen regional integration after eliminating power shortages hindering economic growth.
As part of the electricity power growth in the country, Genale Dawa III hydro power project is underway and its construction has reached 60%. The total cost is 451 Million Dollar. Also, Alulta geothermal project is expected to generate 70 Mega Watts with a total cost of 178 million dollars. It is expected to go operational in 2020.
Similarly, the Rappie waste energy project is almost in its phase of completion reaching 90%. It is about to provide 50 Mega Watt of electricity. 120 Million Dollars was injected to realize the plant located in the outskirts of Addis Ababa.The Ethiopian Electric Power authority has allocated more than 58 billion birr for the 2015/16 fiscal year. According to Azeb Asnake, Ethiopia will have 17,000 Mega Watts total power generation capacity by the end of GTP II.
Ethiopia is succeeding in generating constant and reliable electricity power supply to its citizens and other countries. The effect of this will enhance economy growth by booming industry and manufacturing sector. Also, the country’s export of power to Tanzania, Kenya, Djibouti, Sudan, and Somalia will enable it earn billion dollar foreign currency. This in turn will help raise export earnings which will result to the country’s develoment.
