Ethiopia is short of energy. Only 25 per cent of the population has access to electricity, and as almost all electricity is generated by hydropower the supply is vulnerable to drought and low water levels becoming more normal due to climate change.
A large wind power project – Assela Wind Farm – is under construction, and just before Christmas the first towers were erected. A major milestone for the project that has been challenged by Covid, severe flooding and civil unrest in the country.
The 100 megawatt Assela Wind Farm will, when fully commissioned, provide affordable renewable energy to around 500,000 people and assist Ethiopia in developing its energy sector to become more reliable and less vulnerable to climate change. Moreover, 50 – 75 permanent jobs will be created, and local staff will be trained to undertake daily operation and maintenance of the wind farm.
“We are very pleased to see that the first towers at the Assela Wind Farm have been erected. There have been many challenges getting to this point, but now there is good traction, and we look forward to seeing the wind farm completed and commissioned to the benefit of the Ethiopian people.”
Annemette Ditlevsen, Investment Director in Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance.
Financial support from the Danish state
The wind farm has been developed in cooperation with the Ethiopian State Electricity Company and financed by Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF), which is owned by the Danish State and managed by IFU. Total financing is EUR 145 million.
Siemens Gamesa has supplied the 29 turbines and is responsible for the construction of the wind farm.