Ethiopia to electrify some 25 rural towns through solar energy

Addis Ababa, August 31, 2024 (FBC) – The Ministry of Water and Energy has announced that preparations are in the final stages to provide solar-powered electricity to some 25 small rural towns.

Executive Director of Rural Energy Technology Development and Transfer at the Ministry, Birhanu Woldu, stated that efforts are underway to expand electricity access through alternative energy sectors.

Highlighting solar energy as a key alternative power source, Birhanu elaborated on the ongoing initiatives to make rural communities beneficiaries of this technology.

He emphasized the utilization of mini-grid technology to bring electricity to remote rural towns situated far from the main power grid.

“This mini-grid technology enables us to provide electricity not only for household consumption but also for community services,” Birhanu explained.

The Executive Director added that the power supply would significantly improve energy access for health facilities, educational institutions, and other community service providers.

Reflecting on recent achievements, Birhanu noted that 15 small rural towns gained access to electricity through mini-grid technology in the 2023/24 Ethiopian fiscal year. He further revealed the ambitious plans for the current fiscal year, stating, “We are working to extend electricity access to 100 rural towns.”

Birhanu announced that preparations are nearing completion to make 25 additional small rural towns beneficiaries of electric power in the near future.

Solar power technology installations have been completed in these towns, with house-to-house electricity connection works progressing rapidly, the Executive Director disclosed.

“The majority of the solar power systems have been installed. What remains is the distribution system – the process of bringing electricity to each household,” Birhanu elaborated.

He further projected that these projects would be fully operational and begin providing services by December 2024.

Birhanu also highlighted the Ministry of Water and Energy’s impressive accomplishments during the past Ethiopian fiscal year, reporting the distribution of 345,520 various solar power technologies. This initiative has benefited up to 1.6 million community members.

The distributed technologies, primarily designed for household use, include systems with capacities exceeding 8 watts, it was learned.

“These technologies can power various household appliances, effectively replacing kerosene lamps and enabling the use of televisions and refrigerators,” Birhanu explained.

Looking ahead to the 2024/25 fiscal year, Birhanu outlined plans for extensive distribution of various solar power technologies to make electricity accessible to a broader population.

The Executive Director underscored that these efforts are being implemented through financial mobilization and private sector engagement, as reported by ENA.