The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) announced plans to significantly boost the country's power generation capacity over the next three years.
According to EEP's Corporate Planning Department, Ethiopia is set to increase installed power generation capacity to 8,956 megawatts by the end of the implementation period of the new strategic plan spanning 2023 to 2025.
Wondwossen Teshome, Director of the Investment and Strategy Department at EEP, revealed details of the strategic plan during nationwide discussions involving officers and employees across various divisions of the utility.
The Director stated the plan is aligned with Ethiopia's objective of sustaining rapid national development. A key target is raising total grid-connected generation by 68% through projects currently underway.
It is estimated some 3,600 additional megawatts will come online from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Asela Wind Farm, Aluto Langano Geothermal Plant and Aisha Wind Farm – all scheduled for completion before 2025.
Noting growing domestic demand for power, Teshome affirmed the four projects under construction will be delivered on schedule to satisfy the country's expanding energy needs.
The Director also reported Ethiopia's present power production stands at 4,820 megawatts from hydro, 404 megawatts from wind and 25 megawatts from waste-to-energy – with hydropower fulfilling around 90% of supply.
The strategic plan aims to further diversify generation sources beyond hydropower, according to Teshome, by introducing six new wind and five solar ventures across Ethiopia before 2025.