According to the Ethiopian Electric Power, the Aluto Langano geothermal project has successfully conducted a production test, achieving a capacity of 25 MW.

Out of the ten deep wells drilled for the project, six have been completed, and production testing has been carried out. The remaining four wells are expected to be finalized by December 2023.

To further enhance the project's capabilities, an agreement with the World Bank has led to its extension until September 2024, with plans to drill an additional four wells. The World Bank has provided a $143.5 million loan to finance the project.

The Aluto Langano geothermal project has contributed to the creation of 110 permanent jobs and 40 temporary positions for Ethiopian citizens. It aims to generate a total of 70 MW of electricity, divided into two phases. The first phase, expected to generate 35 MW, will be followed by the commencement of the second phase.

The plant was established in 1998 as a pilot plant to test the geothermal resources in the area. Covering an area of about 8km², various studies have indicated that up to 100MW electric can produced from the Aluto steam field, known to be one of the high temperature prospected area in the country.

Source: Addis Zemen

Additional source: 2Merkato Archives

Image source: Fana BC