Ethiopia embraces renewable energy

Sep 23, 2009 02:00 AM

The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) has signed contracts with three Chinese companies for renewable energy projects.
The agreement will underwrite the building of the Genale Dawa-3 and Chemogayeda hydroelectric cascades and the Mesobo Harena and Adama wind projects.

EEPCo concluded a $ 408 mm agreement with China Gezhouba Group Company for building the 254 MW Genale Dawa 3 hydroelectric facility in southern Ethiopia. CGGC representative, chief engineer Wang Chenli, said construction of the dam will take four years to complete.
A second EEPCo $ 555 mm contract with Sinohydro Corporation provides for the construction of Chemoga Yeda hydroelectric facility in north-western Ethiopia and includes construction of dams on five rivers.

EEPCo also signed a preliminary agreement with HydroChina Company for construction of two 51 MW wind power projects in Adama and Mesobo Harena.
The Exim Bank of China is providing financing for the projects.