Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has announced that it would transfer three solar energy generation sites to private developers.
The sites have been identified and evaluation is underway to hand over the projects to private developers who win the tender floated for the purpose.
CEO of Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) Engineer Azeb Asnake told ENA that sites were identified in Metahara, Umera and Mekelle, with each having a capacity to produce 100 megawatts of solar energy.
“It is through a competitive tender process that we are handing over the contract for the three sites,” the CEO said.
Private developers with rich experience and capacity to produce solar energy will be allowed to execute the projects, she said.
Engineer Azeb also mentioned the growing trend among the private sector to engage in fields of power generation.
“Owing to Ethiopia’s conducive environment for power generation, the interest from private developers is continually growing,” she indicated.
The winners will be announced among the 75 tenders invited for the three solar energy project sites.
The companies taking over the projects are expected to supply solar energy with cheaper price which is also among the criteria for selection.
Considering the expensive nature of generating power, the Ethiopian government is encouraging and supporting the private sector to engage in the field.
Ethiopia’s policy allows the private sector to engage in power generation, with the sector expected to contribute a 50 per cent share in the field.
The Ethiopian Electric Power and Corbetti Geothermal Company previously signed a Power Purchase Agreement for the first 500 MW of a possible 1,000 MW project.
The planned 1,000 MW Corbetti geothermal project with an estimated investment volume of four billion USD is planned to be built in two stages within 8 to 10 years.
Figures show that Ethiopia has 45,000 exploitable hydropower potential, with huge potential in other clean energy sources including solar.