Ethiopia is one of some African States in the Sub-Saharan that generates most of its energy from renewable sources. It generates its electricity from hydro-power in the Blue Nile River. As at 2011 most of the electricity that powered homes and industries were dependent on hydroelectric power. It is among major developments of renewable energy Ethiopia blueprint. It began as a 2000MW project and was to be expanded gradually to 10000 MW to other renewable sources.
The country has recently invested millions of dollars in the green power sector through wind and geothermal. It is because the weather patterns make the hydroelectricity undependable because the water levels in Blue Niles go down during dry spells. With the initiative to include wind power and geothermal the country focuses to increase its power in the grid and, as a result, will export to her neighbors.
Previously Ethiopia depended so much on bio-fuels to cook and petroleum to power automobiles, lighting and heating. This non-renewable power was destroying the environment, and they were not sustainable in the long term. As a result, the government started investing in solar power to replace these sources. People were encouraged to take solar power their homes. In April 2013, one of the biggest solar panel farms was assembled in Ethiopia, it was to cater to the needs of the rural population.
The vision of the nation is to become a state that uses carbon-free energy by 2025. Some of the big projects include the Dams built in Ethiopia that provides up to 1500 MW as at 2010. It is among the largest dams in the country. The Grand Renaissance Dam is one of the largest in Africa and the World. When fully completed it will power and generate 6000 MW almost three times the entire capacity of the country. The success also has its challenges because Egypt claims Ethiopia is violating the upstream treaties concerning the dam.
Wind power plans are also underway because it plans to pump around 800 MW to the grid system. It has been noted that during dry seasons there is a lot of blowing winds that can power the wind energy sector. The first plant the Adama has been commissioned, and it has 51 MW by 2011. The Ashegoda is another massive plant with 120 MW and was opened in 2013. The Ashegonda is the biggest wind power plant in the whole of Africa.
Solar has significantly replaced all power sources like fuels and other from the state grid sources that the country depends on for energy. It is highly believed that almost 5MW of solar power is not attached to the state grid. Most of that power is utilized in the telecommunications segment and powering schools hospitals, and well pumps in villages. Presently, the state plans to connect approximately 150,000 homes with solar power this year. The initial large solar installation began in 1985, and it powered between 10kW and 30kW. Research carried out established that this state can pump almost 20MW of power to the state grid each year.
The geothermal plants have transformed the renewable energy sector. It has drastically reduced the cost of power in the country. Due to the seasonal water variations in Blue Nile the project expects to power 1000 MW into the grid.
In conclusion, the government is also distributing fuel efficient stoves and also help in restoring forests. These ways have helped to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
The country has recently invested millions of dollars in the green power sector through wind and geothermal. It is because the weather patterns make the hydroelectricity undependable because the water levels in Blue Niles go down during dry spells. With the initiative to include wind power and geothermal the country focuses to increase its power in the grid and, as a result, will export to her neighbors.
Previously Ethiopia depended so much on bio-fuels to cook and petroleum to power automobiles, lighting and heating. This non-renewable power was destroying the environment, and they were not sustainable in the long term. As a result, the government started investing in solar power to replace these sources. People were encouraged to take solar power their homes. In April 2013, one of the biggest solar panel farms was assembled in Ethiopia, it was to cater to the needs of the rural population.
The vision of the nation is to become a state that uses carbon-free energy by 2025. Some of the big projects include the Dams built in Ethiopia that provides up to 1500 MW as at 2010. It is among the largest dams in the country. The Grand Renaissance Dam is one of the largest in Africa and the World. When fully completed it will power and generate 6000 MW almost three times the entire capacity of the country. The success also has its challenges because Egypt claims Ethiopia is violating the upstream treaties concerning the dam.
Wind power plans are also underway because it plans to pump around 800 MW to the grid system. It has been noted that during dry seasons there is a lot of blowing winds that can power the wind energy sector. The first plant the Adama has been commissioned, and it has 51 MW by 2011. The Ashegoda is another massive plant with 120 MW and was opened in 2013. The Ashegonda is the biggest wind power plant in the whole of Africa.
Solar has significantly replaced all power sources like fuels and other from the state grid sources that the country depends on for energy. It is highly believed that almost 5MW of solar power is not attached to the state grid. Most of that power is utilized in the telecommunications segment and powering schools hospitals, and well pumps in villages. Presently, the state plans to connect approximately 150,000 homes with solar power this year. The initial large solar installation began in 1985, and it powered between 10kW and 30kW. Research carried out established that this state can pump almost 20MW of power to the state grid each year.
The geothermal plants have transformed the renewable energy sector. It has drastically reduced the cost of power in the country. Due to the seasonal water variations in Blue Nile the project expects to power 1000 MW into the grid.
In conclusion, the government is also distributing fuel efficient stoves and also help in restoring forests. These ways have helped to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
No comments:
Post a Comment