Plans in the works could add an additional 12,000 MW to Ethiopia’s power generation capabilities through hydropower and other renewable energy projects. The country is looking to be at the region’s top energy exporter by taking advantage of its numerous rivers.
Under its 2010-2015 the Growth and Transformation Plan 1 (GTP 1), Ethiopia started work on the $4.1-billion Grand Renaissance Dam and planned to complete the $1.8-billion Gilgel Gibe 3. Together the dams will boost generating capacity from its current 2,400 MW to more than 10,000 MW upon completion.
The country’s new plan, the 2015-2020 plan, or GTP 2, is expected to add projects generating 12,000 MW. The country’s ambitions come with a steep price tag however, up to $25 billion; this could be offset a bit by its ability to export electricity to neighboring countries. Ethiopia already supplies small amounts of power to neighboring Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti; there are also deals in the works for exporting power to South Sudan, Tanzania, and Rwanda, as well as an underwater power link with Yemen.