The Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) is committed to accelerating socio-economic development in rural areas by expanding renewable energy sources and mini-grid infrastructure.
Gossaye Mengiste, Advisor to the MoWE State Minister, revealed that a comprehensive Rural Energy Program and roadmap have been established to increase clean energy generation and promote the adoption of modern, energy-efficient stoves in rural communities. These initiatives are expected to have a significant positive impact on women's economic and social lives, while also mitigating climate change and reducing deforestation.
Ethiopia's power generation capacity has surpassed 6,000 MW, yet access to electricity remains a challenge in many rural regions. To bridge this gap, the MoWE is actively implementing mini-grid projects. These projects not only provide electricity but also contribute to improved social and economic outcomes by enabling community-based agro-processing, enhancing food security, and facilitating access to clean drinking water.
In areas where mini-grid expansion is not feasible, solar energy is seen as a viable solution to bring energy access to all. Gossaye emphasized that the goal is not merely to provide lighting but to empower communities through energy access.
To further enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainable practices, the MoWE is undertaking awareness campaigns and implementing energy-efficiency measures. However, challenges such as limited financial resources, infrastructure constraints, technological limitations, and human capacity gaps continue to hinder progress.
According to EPA, the Ministry is working to address these challenges by developing flexible payment plans that consider the financial capabilities of rural communities. Additionally, energy policies are being revised to explore potential subsidy programs for low-income households.