There are great developments taking place in the Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of energy reforms, and Ethiopia is making one of the most significant strides. Ethiopia has hydro-power as the dominant source of electricity from Blue Nile River. The country has been making big progress in this renewable energy sector because the amount of electricity keeps increasing to the grid by day. It is what powers homes and industries. The renewable energy Ethiopia started as a2000 MW project and will be aiming to be 10000MW.
The country has recently invested millions of dollars in the green power sector through wind and geothermal. It is because the weather patterns make the hydroelectricity undependable because the water levels in Blue Niles go down during dry spells. With the initiative to include wind power and geothermal the country focuses to increase its power in the grid and, as a result, will export to her neighbors.
Previously, power needs of the country depended on bio-fuels for cooking foods, petroleum was used to power vehicles, heating and lighting. But the supplies of this non-renewable energy were not sustainable. Currently, the country's leadership is investing heavily in solar power. People are encouraged to use photovoltaic to replace these non-renewable sources of fuel. In April 2013, the government of Ethiopia opened one of the biggest solar panel assemblies in the region to supply rural areas with power.
The country of Ethiopia plans to use renewable energy by 2025 to supply all its power needs. It has one of the biggest dams that provides 1500 MW to the national grid. The Grand Renaissance Dam that is being built will generate 6000MW around three times the current capacity of the country. However, the project being one of the biggest hydro-power plants in Africa it has had its challenges because Egypt claims it violates the upstream treaty.
On the other hand, wind power, is planned to generate 800MW and pump it to the state grid system. Dry seasons in Ethiopia are usually windy and can be harnessed so as to compliment hydro power. The initial wind power project was set up in Adama and at 2011, it powered 51MW. Ashegoda is another wind power project that generates 120MW and was launched in 2013. Ashegoda project is the biggest wind power project on the African continent.
Solar has replaced fuel based lighting and other off the grid needs of the country. We believe there is about 5MW solar power that is not connected to the grid. Most of it is used in the telecommunications sector and to power villages' hospitals, schools, and well pumps. At the moment, the government plans to connect about 150000 household to solar electricity by 2015. The first large installation was way back in 1985 powered only 10 kW to around 30kW. Research shows that the country can pump around 20MW of power to the grid every year.
The geothermal power sector has greatly reduced dependence on hydroelectricity. Geothermal energy replaces hydroelectricity because it does not depend on weather pattern. It is expected to power 1000 MW.
In conclusion, the government is also distributing fuel efficient stoves and also help in restoring forests. These ways have helped to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
The country has recently invested millions of dollars in the green power sector through wind and geothermal. It is because the weather patterns make the hydroelectricity undependable because the water levels in Blue Niles go down during dry spells. With the initiative to include wind power and geothermal the country focuses to increase its power in the grid and, as a result, will export to her neighbors.
Previously, power needs of the country depended on bio-fuels for cooking foods, petroleum was used to power vehicles, heating and lighting. But the supplies of this non-renewable energy were not sustainable. Currently, the country's leadership is investing heavily in solar power. People are encouraged to use photovoltaic to replace these non-renewable sources of fuel. In April 2013, the government of Ethiopia opened one of the biggest solar panel assemblies in the region to supply rural areas with power.
The country of Ethiopia plans to use renewable energy by 2025 to supply all its power needs. It has one of the biggest dams that provides 1500 MW to the national grid. The Grand Renaissance Dam that is being built will generate 6000MW around three times the current capacity of the country. However, the project being one of the biggest hydro-power plants in Africa it has had its challenges because Egypt claims it violates the upstream treaty.
On the other hand, wind power, is planned to generate 800MW and pump it to the state grid system. Dry seasons in Ethiopia are usually windy and can be harnessed so as to compliment hydro power. The initial wind power project was set up in Adama and at 2011, it powered 51MW. Ashegoda is another wind power project that generates 120MW and was launched in 2013. Ashegoda project is the biggest wind power project on the African continent.
Solar has replaced fuel based lighting and other off the grid needs of the country. We believe there is about 5MW solar power that is not connected to the grid. Most of it is used in the telecommunications sector and to power villages' hospitals, schools, and well pumps. At the moment, the government plans to connect about 150000 household to solar electricity by 2015. The first large installation was way back in 1985 powered only 10 kW to around 30kW. Research shows that the country can pump around 20MW of power to the grid every year.
The geothermal power sector has greatly reduced dependence on hydroelectricity. Geothermal energy replaces hydroelectricity because it does not depend on weather pattern. It is expected to power 1000 MW.
In conclusion, the government is also distributing fuel efficient stoves and also help in restoring forests. These ways have helped to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
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