- President Taye Atske-Selassie says Ethiopia aims to reach 13,000MW of generation capacity by 2030 from an estimated 60,000MW clean-energy potential.
- The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), with 5,150MW of installed capacity, remains central to Ethiopia’s plans to expand electricity supply and regional power cooperation.
Ethiopia plans to expand its electricity generation capacity to 13,000MW by 2030. President Taye Atske-Selassie announced the target during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The president said Ethiopia has an estimated 60,000MW clean-energy potential. However, he noted that the country still needs greater investment and cooperation to fully develop its energy resources.
“As one of the powerhouse of clean energy with a total potential of 60,000 megawatts, Ethiopia targets to generate 13,000 megawatts by 2030.”
GERD Remains Central To Energy Expansion
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) remains a major part of Ethiopia’s power expansion strategy. The project sits on the Abbay River and has an installed generating capacity of 5,150MW.
President Taye described GERD as a “monumental pan-African clean energy project.” He also linked the project to broader regional development and electricity cooperation.
According to the president, shared water and energy resources can support economic progress across the region. Therefore, Ethiopia continues to promote regional cooperation around energy development and power connectivity.
Ethiopia Expands Its Clean Energy Mix
Beyond hydropower, Ethiopia has significant potential in solar, wind and geothermal energy. In addition, the government aims to use these resources to strengthen domestic electricity supply.
The country also wants to support industrialisation and expand economic activity through increased electricity generation. As a result, Ethiopia sees clean-energy development as both an energy and economic priority.
Greater electricity access could also support regional power cooperation. Meanwhile, increased generation could create more opportunities for electricity trade with neighbouring countries.
Call For Regional Cooperation
President Taye called for genuine and sustained regional and international cooperation. He stressed that countries can use shared resources to support collective development.
Ethiopia’s 2030 target therefore extends beyond domestic power generation. Instead, the country also seeks to strengthen regional energy cooperation and contribute to broader development across East Africa.
Consequently, investment in generation, transmission and regional interconnections will remain important as Ethiopia works towards its clean-energy ambitions.