ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA - The Aysha Wind Farm Project, with a capacity of 120 MW, is 82% complete, marking significant progress towards its finalization. The Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP) made the announcement.
EEP Communication Director, Moges Mekonnen, informed the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that construction is progressing according to schedule. He highlighted that eight turbines, generating a combined 80 megawatts, are now fully operational and connected to the national grid.
"Efforts are underway to connect the remaining 40 megawatts to the grid," Moges explained. He acknowledged that financial challenges over the past two years had delayed turbine installations, but EEP has taken proactive measures to advance the project using its own funds, eliminating the need for external financing.
Upon completion, the Aysha Wind Power Project is expected to significantly enhance power distribution to areas in need. Moges emphasized that Aysha is one of four wind power projects, alongside two in Adama and another in Ashegoda. Aysha is considered particularly efficient due to its favorable location for wind energy generation, maximizing its feasibility and output potential.
The project has also attracted private investment. The government recently signed an agreement with Amea Power to facilitate private investments supporting the project, with an ambitious plan to generate up to 300 megawatts of power.
This initiative aligns with Ethiopia's goal of leveraging wind energy to strengthen its electricity supply. EEP is preparing to launch several wind power projects across different states in the near future, Moges revealed.
Ethiopia is diversifying its energy sources from hydroelectricity to wind, solar, and geothermal energy to meet rising energy demands, build resilience, and foster economic growth. Projects like Aluto-Langano geothermal and Ashegoda Wind Farm support its 2025 electrification goal within the Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy.