Ethiopia to build 391mw hydropower plant – Details

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‘‘Our plan is to address the fast growing electric demand for local and foreign markets to increase the coverage for per capita consumption,” he added.

To meet this demand the country has been undertaking various hydropower projects in different parts of the country.

Up on completion of ongoing projects, the country’s power generation capacity will reach 10,000mw.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile with installed capacity of over 6,000mw and the Gibe III on the Omo River with installed capacity of 1,870 MW are the two main hydroelectric projects being carried out.

The nation will continue to develop its renewable energy and maximize its benefit during the second growth and transformation plan (GTP- 2), which will be started next fiscal year (2008E.C), he added.

The nation has set target to increase electricity generation capacity to 35,000mw by 2025, Alemayehu added, the intensive activities being undertaken and set to be carried out in the power sector will enable the nation realize this.

Ethiopian Electric Power CEO, Engineer Azeb Asnake on her part said the project will be carried out in two phases, Geba-1 and Geba-2, with installed capacity of 220 and 165mw respectively.

The Geba hydropower plant will play vital role to the country’s efforts to meet the increasing demand for electricity, she said.

Awarding the project to local and foreign companies is aimed at increasing capability of local companies and will contribute to knowledge and technology transfer, according to Eng. Azeb.

The hydraulic model test will be undertaken in Ethiopia by ArbaMinch University, in South Ethiopia Peoples’ State.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Xie Xiaoyan recognized that Ethiopia, referred as the water tower of Africa, has huge potential in this regard.

He appreciated efforts being exerted to develop and properly utilize this potential for the development of the country.

Awarding this project to Chinese and Ethiopian companies is a reflection of strong cooperation between the two countries.

”I think the hydraulic model test is the first time such any test takes place in Ethiopia. It shows the Chinese determination to be a long term partnership with Ethiopia” he said.

Sur Construction PLC General Manager, Taddesse Yemane on his part said joint ventures would help to build capability of local contractors.

In addition to building capability of local contractors it would help the country save hard currency, he added.