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Ethiopia expands electricity capacity to almost 9,800 MW, reinforces renewable matrix with hydroelectric, wind, and solar power, increases population’s access to electricity, and seeks to establish itself as a regional energy hub in Africa
Ethiopia, a BRICS country, has more than doubled its electricity capacity in seven years, reaching almost 9,800 MW, with renewable energy at the core of a strategy that expands access, strengthens the economy, and elevates the country in Africa.
Installed capacity almost reaches 9,800 MW
Installed capacity increased from approximately 4,400 megawatts to almost 9,800 MW. This leap placed Ethiopia among the largest clean energy hubs on the African continent.
The progress was announced by Ethiopian authorities and accompanies the expansion of energy infrastructure. The expansion involves hydroelectric, wind, solar, and geothermal projects, maintaining the electricity matrix based on renewable sources.
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Brazilian scientists are simultaneously advancing two research projects on clean hydrogen and driving solutions that could transform the energy matrix, enhance industrial competitiveness, and accelerate large-scale emission reduction targets.
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Advancement in renewable energy: A R$ 150 million project launched by Petrobras and Finep aims to create state-of-the-art electrolyzers for green hydrogen, strengthening national research and preparing Brazil to compete in a billion-dollar energy market.
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Illiterate or semi-literate grandmothers were trained to repair solar systems, open rural workshops, and light up homes that still depended on kerosene.
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The world has bet on green hydrogen as the fuel of the future, but now faces the side effect: producing 1 kilogram requires about 9 liters of ultrapure water, and the largest projects on the planet are precisely in the driest regions of the Earth, where water is already scarce for people.
Access to electricity also grows
In addition to the increase in generation, the population’s access to electricity rose from 44% to approximately 54%. This growth shows that the expansion of supply is accompanied by greater service reach.
Renewable energy appears as the central axis of this change. Hydropower continues to predominate, while wind and solar sources gain increasing participation in Ethiopia’s electricity mix.
Africa’s largest hydroelectric plant drives progress
Much of the growth is linked to the inauguration of hydroelectric projects. Among them is the plant already considered the largest in Africa, which reinforces the weight of hydropower in the national strategy.
This commitment consolidates Ethiopia as one of the most active African countries in expanding clean sources. The country seeks to transform its generation into a basis for growth, industrialization, and regional integration.
Government wants to make the country a regional energy hub
This move is part of a strategy by the Ethiopian government to position the country as a regional energy hub.
In addition to supplying the domestic market, Ethiopia seeks to expand electricity exports to neighboring East African nations.
This direction strengthens Ethiopia’s economic position within the continent. Electricity generation is now treated as an instrument of integration, expanding the country’s influence in the region.
BRICS expands international projection
The energy expansion occurs at a time of greater international projection. Ethiopia recently joined BRICS and has been increasing its presence in debates on sustainable development, infrastructure, and global economic cooperation.
In a scenario pressured by the energy transition, the focus on renewable energy reinforces the country’s strategic importance.
While many economies still depend on fossil fuels, Ethiopia invests in its hydropower and renewable potential.
With information from Fórum.
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