A gentle breeze carries more than just a whiff of change in Ethiopia as the country embraces renewable energy with open arms. The sprawling landscape, 150km south of Addis Ababa, is now home to the impressive Assela wind farm. This innovative project, heralded by the Ministry of Finance as a significant milestone, is set to revolutionize the nation’s energy sector.
As the turbines hum to life, each gust of wind ushers in a new era for Ethiopia. The 100MW wind farm has already begun supplying power to the national grid, marking a crucial step towards sustainability and self-sufficiency. But this is just the beginning. By the end of 2025, when all 29 turbines are up and running, the facility is expected to generate over 300GWh of clean and sustainable energy annually.
“This wind farm will not only meet the electricity needs of more than 140,000 Ethiopian households but also pave the way for a greener future,”
proclaims the Ministry of Finance. Indeed, as Semereta Sewasew, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation notes:
“It demonstrates our ability to deliver technically advanced alternative energy solutions through blended finance, strong institutional coordination, and lasting partnerships.”
The journey towards cleaner energy sources has been made possible through collaboration with international partners. Denmark’s financial support has played a pivotal role in bringing this ambitious project to fruition. With an investment totaling €146 million ($164m), including substantial loans and grants from Danske Bank and European institutions, Ethiopia is making strides towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while aiming for middle-income status by 2030.
At its core, this initiative embodies more than just a shift towards renewables; it represents a commitment to resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change. Sofie From-Emmesberger, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia expresses her enthusiasm stating that
“the wind farm is the first milestone in implementing Global Gateway Ethiopia’s energy sector.”
This sentiment underscores how projects like these are not just about powering homes but about building a foundation for long-term economic growth and environmental stewardship.
As representatives from Ethiopia, Denmark, and the European Union gather on-site amid spinning turbines and crackling cables – there is an undeniable sense of pride in what has been achieved. This collaborative effort serves as a beacon for other African nations looking to diversify their energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The impact of such initiatives extends far beyond borders; they have ripple effects throughout regions by fostering decarbonization efforts across Eastern Africa. With each gust that turns these towering blades, Ethiopia edges closer towards becoming not just an energy producer but a regional powerhouse driving sustainable development.
In closing remarks on this momentous occasion at Assela wind farm , Sewasew articulates:
“Our collaboration with Denmark has been instrumental in integrating clean energy into our grid system while advancing our economic and climate objectives.”
It’s clear that while today marks a milestone achieved , tomorrow promises even greater strides towards a greener tomorrow fueled by innovation , partnership ,and unwavering dedication .
