Ethiopia’s 100 MW Assela Wind Farm has gone into operation for the first time, delivering electricity to the nation’s power grid.
Owned and operated by Ethiopia’s state power utility, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), the Assela Wind Farm will be fully operational by 2025 with all 29 turbines generating over 300 GWh of clean and sustainable energy annually.
The project supports Ethiopia’s ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) and middle-income status by 2030 through a climate-resilient and low-carbon development path.
The wind farm, located 150 km south of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, in the Oromia region, is set to generate enough electricity to meet the electricity needs of more than 140,000 Ethiopian homes.
The project was fully financed by Denmark through a grant from IFU’s Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF) and a loan from Danske Bank.
Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation, Semereta Sewasew said: “The Assela Wind Farm represents a major step in Ethiopia’s shift toward a resilient and diversified energy system.
“It demonstrates our ability to deliver technically advanced alternative energy solutions through blended finance, strong institutional coordination, and lasting partnerships.
“Our collaboration with the Kingdom of Denmark has been instrumental in integrating clean energy into the national grid and advancing our economic and climate objectives.”
Speaking at the inauguration of the wind farm, Sune Krogstrup, Denmark’s Ambassador to Ethiopia said, “The Assela Wind Farm showcases the robust partnership between Denmark and Ethiopia. Drawing on Denmark’s extensive experience in wind energy and sustainable practices, we are proud to contribute to enhancing Ethiopia’s energy system.“
The project aligns with Ethiopia’s efforts to harness clean and sustainable energy sources, contributing to both environmental preservation and diversification of the country’s energy mix.
With the Assela wind farm, Ethiopia moves closer to universal access to modern, affordable energy and to becoming a regional power hub in the Horn of Africa.
The Assela Wind Farm will help to complement Ethiopia’s RISED project – a five-year plan to strengthen its national electricity infrastructure through grid modernisation, renewable energy development, digitization and capacity building.
