EthioBlog

Ethiopia announces US$10 billion hydroelectric projects


APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)

Ethiopia announced on Wednesday plans to construct 10 hydro electric projects in the coming ten years which will cost the country US$ 10 billion.

The Ethiopian Electric and Power Corporation (EEPCo) said that the projects are aimed at generating over 15,000 MW.

The money needed for these projects are expected to be covered by the government, donor community and Ethiopia’s development partners.

The Chief Executive Officer of EEPCo, Mihret Debebe, said that self sufficiency in all aspects of the power sector is the basis of sustainable development.

It should be recalled that over the week end, Ethiopia inaugurated a 300 MW hydroelectric project that was fully funded by the government, which claims it is the first of its kind in Africa.

In the coming months, the country will also to inaugurate three other hydroelectric projects in which the government invested billions of dollars in collaboration with its development partners.

The finalization of these projects are expected to help Ethiopia supply power to neighbouring countries as it already signed a power supply agreement with Kenya, Sudan and Dijibouti.

The agreement is expected to be implemented in 2010.

Ethiopia will become net power exporter in the region within 10 years: Report

Source: ENA

Ethiopia will become a net power exporter within ten years, exporting to Kenya, Sudan and Djibouti, Reuters and African Press Agency reported.

Some six hydropower dam projects funded by bilateral government agreements and other financial institutions are under construction in Ethiopia. When the hydro power projects go into completion, the nation will begin power export to neighboring countries including Sudan, Djibouti and Kenya, according to the report Reuters and the Agency dispatched in connection with inauguration of the Tekeze Dam.

The Tekeze Dam has started producing 80 MW and that will rise to 300 MW. At 185 meters, the Tekeze dam is the tallest hydroelectric dam in Africa.

The report said the dam is on the country's Tekeze River and its 356 million USDs cost was fully covered by the government.

Ethiopia in September agreed deals with another two Chinese firms, China Gezhouba Group Company and Sinohydro Corporation, to build two huge hydropower projects.

According to the report EEPCo has also signed a preliminary agreement with the Hydrochina Company for the construction of two wind farms to be reserved for emergency power shortages.

Landlocked Ethiopia is a country with mainly high mountainous landscape which provides a vast hydroelectric potential up to an estimated 40, 000 MW.

The report said Ethiopia will spend 12 billion USDs over 25 years to improve its power supply.

Ethiopia - Tekeze hydroelectric power project inaugurated

Source: ENA

The Tekeze hydroelectric power project, which was fully funded by the Ethiopian government, was officially inaugurated on Saturday. The project has begun generating 75 MW electric power same day.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia inaugurated the project in the presence of senior government officials, diplomats and invited guests.

A minute of silence was observed for those , who lost their lives during construction of the project.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Premier said the project is historical as lives are sacrificed and the full cost covered by the government.

Meles expressed condolence to the workers, who lost their lives during the construction of the project.

He expressed his gratitude to Chinese and USA companies for their contribution to the realization of the project.

The project, which consumed nearly four billion Birr, is expected to generate 300 MW electric power upon going fully operational.

More than 4,500 workers took part in the constriction of the project. Some 750 of them are foreigners.

The project is believed to contribute in the ongoing efforts to speed up development in the country and will narrow the gap between supply and demand.

Mines and Energy Minister, Alemayehu Tegenu on his part said the power generation projects being constructed at present are environment friendly.

Chief of Tigary State, Tsegay Berehe on his part said the project has changed the history of Tekeze that had been flowing for years.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo), Mihret Debebe also said the project will generate one third of the country’s power supply.

He said Tekeze II that can generate 600 MW will be constructed within ten years.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Gu Xiaojie on his part said the project signifies the level of cooperation between Ethiopia and China.

U.S. Chargé d’ Affaires in Ethiopia Ambassador Roger Meece on his part said the project is the biggest chapter in Ethiopia’s effort to address the ever growing energy demand.

The ambassador lauded Ethiopia’s commitment towards development of renewable energy resources.

He expressed delight over participation of his country in the construction of the project, which is the first of its kind in Africa.

Senior government officials, ambassadors and invited guests attended the inaugural ceremony, according to ENA's spot reporter.

Ethiopia - Africa's Tallest dam opens in Ethiopia

Ethiopia opened Africa's tallest dam on Saturday that will produce 300 MW of hydropower when it reaches full capacity. The dam which was built on Tekeze river costs $356 million and was financed by China National Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Corporation.

Outages have been common in Ethiopia for five years. The country rationed power for over five months this year with lights going off every second day, closing factories, hampering exports and fuelling a shortage of hard currency.

Ethiopia is building six hydropower projects at a cost of $12 billion over he next 25 years
Ethiopia has six other hydropower dam projects being built, some funded by the World Bank. Government officials say the Horn of Africa nation will become a net power exporter within 10 years, exporting to Kenya, Sudan and Djibouti, Reuters reported.


More From Reuters

Ethiopia - Tekeze power project to go operational on Saturday

Source: ENA

Ethiopia's Tekeze hydroelectric power project will be inaugurated and officially begin providing services as of Saturday.

Nearly four billion Birr is spent on construction of the project, which has capacity to generate 300 MW electric power.

The Ethiopian government fully covered the construction cost.

The project is believed to contribute in the ongoing efforts to speed up development in the country, according to documents obtained from the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo).

Senior government officials, ambassadors and invited guests will take part in the inauguration ceremony, according to ENA's spot reporter.