Ethiopia will become net power exporter in the region within 10 years
Addis Ababa, November 17, 2009 (Addis Ababa)
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.
