China is to partner with Ethiopia in the renewable energy sector according to Wondimu Tekle, Minister of State for Water and Energy.
It is expected that China will assist Ethiopia in its efforts to develop the renewable sources said Wondimu.
Ethiopia has the estimated potential to generate 60,000 MW of electricity of which 45,000 MW is expected to come from hydro power and 15,000 MW from other renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar and wind power.
Ethiopia currently generates more than 2000 MW of hydroelectric power with a plan to quadruple power generation from this source as part of a five year plan.Plans also include promoting a range of renewable energy resources to prevent the loss of power and to promote the proper utilization of energy as well as to decrease the cost of power generation investments and operations with an aim to providing electricity at affordable rates.
The Chinese government can help in the efforts to diversify energy sources said Wondimu.
Several Chinese companies are already engaged in developing renewable energy resources in Ethiopia he noted. These companies are particularly working in hydropower development and wind farm development added Wondimu.
Ethiopia hopes to collaborate further with China through the companies working in Ethiopia in renewable energy development he said.
Source: The Reporter
