‘New Deal’ for Africa ‘Ending Energy Poverty’ The Ethiopian Experiment

Energy development (increased provision and use of energy services) is an integral part of enhanced economic development. Advanced industrialized societies use more energy per unit of eco­nomic output and far more energy per capita than poorer societies, especially those still in a pre-in­dustrial state. As stated by the Obama Power Africa program, energy is a key ingredient for Africa’s development. The fact that AfDB has made it a pri­ority is welcome news for the sector. Development of the Inga Dam can produce 42 GW that will fuel the economy of the Great Lakes Region.

The case study augurs on Ethiopia, the water tower of North-East Africa. It was the epicenter of famines. Surface water flows in 12 major river basins, dis­charging an estimated 122.19 billion C³ of water an­nually. Ethiopia is the power­ house of Africa due to its high hydro power potential. The largest plant, Belles, began initial operation in May 2010. Contracts for five large dams have been signed and when completed this year, these dams would increase the installed capacity by more than 11 GW from less than one GW in 2008. The construction of more large dams is foreseen in a Master Plan that aims to bring capacity to 15 GW. Currently, it provides 150 megawatts electricity to Sudan and Djibouti. Ethiopia plans to increase its power exports to Dji­bouti, Kenya and Sudan and es­tablish grid links to South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Soma­lia and Yemen; fostering regional integration, peace and security. Ethiopia is aggressively investing in alternative energy sources: wind, solar and geothermal.

Key words: energy, hydro dams, wind, geothermal, solar, water,

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