The first wind energy developer from the US has entered into Ethiopia’s wind energy market. Terra Global Energy Developers, LLC announced the launch of a 400-MW wind energy project in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia with construction planned to begin in 2014. Located approximately 75 miles north of Addis Ababa, the project is being developed on a build and transfer basis for the country’s national utility Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo).
Terra has been conducting a year-long technical and feasibility study via two 60-meter MET towers manufactured by NRG Systems. “The wind data we are collecting is very encouraging,” said Dereje Abebe, CEO of Terra. “We are on a fast track, with additional MET tower installations planned in Q2 of 2013. Terra is providing US technology, expertise, and investment, while helping Ethiopia to build its wind energy sector capacity.”
As part of Terra’s local capacity building project, Terra signed a MoU with the nearby Debre Birhan University School of Engineering to create a Wind Energy Center of Excellence. The company and its suppliers are providing data sensor and other equipment for a hands-on student-led on campus wind monitoring.
Make sure you visit and click ‘Like’ on our Facebook page to receive even more news and updates from Alternative Energy Africa.