The Republic of Ethiopia has earned more than US$1 billion from electricity export to neighbouring countries in 18 months, Habtamu Etefa, Minister for Water and Energy, said.
Habtamu, who was speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency, mentioned that the performance underscores the nation’s burgeoning role as a regional energy powerhouse, catalysing regional integration.
“We are successfully supplying energy to Sudan, Djibouti and Kenya,” the Minister noted, lauding the pivotal interconnection between Ethiopia and Kenya’s power grids that extend the possibility of exports as far as South Africa via the East African Power Pool.
He further pointed out that “Ethiopia is blessed and conveniently positioned to provide clean, inexpensive electricity without harming the environment, fueling escalating demand.”
With a staggering 93 per cent of Ethiopia’s electricity derived from hydropower, the country plans to extend exports to South Sudan, it was learned.
The Minister revealed that the nation has also made significant strides domestically, with 4.5 million customers connected to the grid in the past six months alone.
However, challenges persist due to the scattered population with only 52 per cent accessing power at present.
The remaining 48 per cent residing off-grid necessitates a concerted push towards decentralised solutions, the Minister said.
To bridge the gap, the ministry is actively implementing off-grid projects by harnessing solar, wind, biogas and geothermal energy while promoting clean cooking technologies.
Habtamu disclosed that ambitious initiatives have been underway in Oromia and the Somali regions to leverage solar power until grid connectivity is established in remote localities.
As Ethiopia forges ahead in optimising its diverse energy portfolio, the nation’s electricity exports emerge as a resounding testament to its pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation, economic development, and sustainable growth through renewable energy leadership.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
