Ethiopia is an African Country in the sub-Saharan region that largely depends on renewable energy. The Blue River Nile is the main hydropower source of electricity. By 2011, most households and industries depended on hydroelectric power for electricity. It is a major part of the renewable energy Ethiopia plan. The project started as a 2000MW scheme that was to be gradually expanded to 10000MW for other renewable energy sources.
Recently the state has invested millions of dollars in Wind and geothermal power. It was to support the hydroelectricity project that was experiencing challenges because of low water level in the River. With the new developments, Ethiopia has been able to export electricity to the neighboring countries through transmission lines.
Previously Ethiopia depended so much on bio-fuels to cook and petroleum to power automobiles, lighting and heating. This non-renewable power was destroying the environment, and they were not sustainable in the long term. As a result, the government started investing in solar power to replace these sources. People were encouraged to take solar power their homes. In April 2013, one of the biggest solar panel farms was assembled in Ethiopia, it was to cater to the needs of the rural population.
The country has a vision to become a carbon-free state by 2025. A few of the large projects in the country include building of dams to produce 1500MW by 2010. The dam in question is the largest in Ethiopia. The Grand Renaissance Dam is among the largest dams in the African continent and the world as a whole. Upon its completion, it will generate approximately 6000MW that is almost thrice the whole capacity produced in the country. The project also has challenges; for instance, Egypt claims that Ethiopia is infringing the treaties concerning the upstream of the dam.
Wind power plans are also underway because it plans to pump around 800 MW to the grid system. It has been noted that during dry seasons there is a lot of blowing winds that can power the wind energy sector. The first plant the Adama has been commissioned, and it has 51 MW by 2011. The Ashegoda is another massive plant with 120 MW and was opened in 2013. The Ashegonda is the biggest wind power plant in the whole of Africa.
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 plants have transformed the renewable energy sector. It has drastically reduced the cost of power in the country. Due to the seasonal water variations in Blue Nile the project expects to power 1000 MW into the grid.
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.
Recently the state has invested millions of dollars in Wind and geothermal power. It was to support the hydroelectricity project that was experiencing challenges because of low water level in the River. With the new developments, Ethiopia has been able to export electricity to the neighboring countries through transmission lines.
Previously Ethiopia depended so much on bio-fuels to cook and petroleum to power automobiles, lighting and heating. This non-renewable power was destroying the environment, and they were not sustainable in the long term. As a result, the government started investing in solar power to replace these sources. People were encouraged to take solar power their homes. In April 2013, one of the biggest solar panel farms was assembled in Ethiopia, it was to cater to the needs of the rural population.
The country has a vision to become a carbon-free state by 2025. A few of the large projects in the country include building of dams to produce 1500MW by 2010. The dam in question is the largest in Ethiopia. The Grand Renaissance Dam is among the largest dams in the African continent and the world as a whole. Upon its completion, it will generate approximately 6000MW that is almost thrice the whole capacity produced in the country. The project also has challenges; for instance, Egypt claims that Ethiopia is infringing the treaties concerning the upstream of the dam.
Wind power plans are also underway because it plans to pump around 800 MW to the grid system. It has been noted that during dry seasons there is a lot of blowing winds that can power the wind energy sector. The first plant the Adama has been commissioned, and it has 51 MW by 2011. The Ashegoda is another massive plant with 120 MW and was opened in 2013. The Ashegonda is the biggest wind power plant in the whole of Africa.
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 plants have transformed the renewable energy sector. It has drastically reduced the cost of power in the country. Due to the seasonal water variations in Blue Nile the project expects to power 1000 MW into the grid.
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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