ADS

samedi 7 mars 2015

The Role Of Renewable Energy Ethiopia In Transforming Lives

By Leslie Ball


Ethiopia is one of some African States in the Sub-Saharan that generates most of its energy from renewable sources. It generates its electricity from hydro-power in the Blue Nile River. As at 2011 most of the electricity that powered homes and industries were dependent on hydroelectric power. It is among major developments of renewable energy Ethiopia blueprint. It began as a 2000MW project and was to be expanded gradually to 10000 MW to other renewable sources.

Recently the state has invested millions of dollars in Wind and geothermal power. It was to support the hydroelectricity project that was experiencing challenges because of low water level in the River. With the new developments, Ethiopia has been able to export electricity to the neighboring countries through transmission lines.

Previously Ethiopia depended so much on bio-fuels to cook and petroleum to power automobiles, lighting and heating. This non-renewable power was destroying the environment, and they were not sustainable in the long term. As a result, the government started investing in solar power to replace these sources. People were encouraged to take solar power their homes. In April 2013, one of the biggest solar panel farms was assembled in Ethiopia, it was to cater to the needs of the rural population.

The country of Ethiopia plans to use renewable energy by 2025 to supply all its power needs. It has one of the biggest dams that provides 1500 MW to the national grid. The Grand Renaissance Dam that is being built will generate 6000MW around three times the current capacity of the country. However, the project being one of the biggest hydro-power plants in Africa it has had its challenges because Egypt claims it violates the upstream treaty.

Wind power on the other hand plans to pump 800MW to the national grid system. The dry seasons are always very windy, and wind power can be a good compliment of hydro-power. The first was installed at Adama, and it powers 51 MW as at 2011. The other one the Ashegoda gives 120MW, and it was commissioned in 2013. The Ashegoda is the largest wind power farm in Africa.

Solar has significantly replaced all power sources like fuels and other from the state grid sources that the country depends on for energy. It is highly believed that almost 5MW of solar power is not attached to the state grid. Most of that power is utilized in the telecommunications segment and powering schools hospitals, and well pumps in villages. Presently, the state plans to connect approximately 150,000 homes with solar power this year. The initial large solar installation began in 1985, and it powered between 10kW and 30kW. Research carried out established that this state can pump almost 20MW of power to the state grid each year.

The geothermal plants have transformed the renewable energy sector. It has drastically reduced the cost of power in the country. Due to the seasonal water variations in Blue Nile the project expects to power 1000 MW into the grid.

Finally, the country distributes energy efficient stoves and encourages reforestation. These ways will assist in instances where bio-fuels are being used. It will highly reduce the carbon emissions in the air and prevent the use of firewood.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Enregistrer un commentaire