Ethiopia Can Balance Electric Power Interconnection of Region: APRA Secretariat Head

Addis Ababa, June 15/2024(ENA)- Ethiopia can play a role of balance for the region by ensuring electric power system interconnection with neighboring countries,  Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Secretariat Head Safiatou Alzouma said.

Ethiopia has a significant renewable energy potential with hydropower estimated at 45 gigawatts, while wind and geothermal have a combined potential capacity of 15 gigawatts.          

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the secretariat head said APRA recognizes the importance of aligning the national priorities and frameworks of African countries ensuring that initiatives are not only relevant but also sustainable in the long-term.               

APRA engagement, therefore, includes country consultations as well as the development of national action plans encompassing all necessary interventions essential to expedite the nations’ journey towards ambitious renewable energy development and green growth.          

Ethiopia is a country endowed with tremendous renewable energy resources, be it hydro, wind,  geothermal, solar and biomass, among others.              

Citing Ethiopia as one of the 7 countries of APRA that includes Kenya, Ghana, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe, Alzouma commended the cooperation of the secretariat with all pertinent stakeholders in Ethiopia using holistic and inclusive approach.    

“What we are promoting through APRA for its all member countries, including Ethiopia, is really the coordination on mobilizing finance, engaging the private sector, building the skills and sustainable development of renewable energy,” she said.   

Highlighting that there is a huge commitment from Ethiopia in the renewable energy sector, the head pointed out that Ethiopia is immensely endowed with huge renewable energy potential, mainly hydro.   

“Ethiopia is very endowed with huge renewable energy potential, mainly hydro. If you look at the power mix of the country, it is over 90 percent of hydro. So, Ethiopia can play a big role, a role of balance for the region,” Alzouma noted.   

For her, the good thing is that Ethiopia has already created interconnection with neighboring countries like Kenya and Djibouti.

The good thing is that you have already been implementing interconnection with your neighboring countries like Kenya, Djibouti. So, through Ethiopia, they will really balance the intermittence of renewable energy base power that will come from other countries. 

The Ministry of Water and Energy recently revealed that Ethiopia has been playing a leading role in creating energy ties with neighboring countries as the country is successfully supplying energy to its neighboring countries of Sudan, Djibouti and Kenya.