- Ethiopia has hired firms from South Africa and Portugal to provide consultancy services for the 150 MW Weranso Solar Plant.
- The project supports the country’s plan to expand clean energy and attract foreign investment.
Ethiopia has advanced its renewable energy programme by awarding a consultancy contract for the 150 MW Weranso Solar Plant in the Afar region. The government aims to expand clean power generation and reduce dependence on hydropower and fossil fuels. Ethiopian Electric Power awarded the contract to Thabo Consulting Engineering of South Africa and Sun Business Development of Portugal.
The consultancy agreement is worth about USD 706,790. Under the contract, the firms will prepare a feasibility study to outline technical and financial requirements. They will also conduct an environmental and social impact assessment to meet international standards. In addition, they will produce a resettlement action plan for affected communities. They will finally compile bidding documents for the next stage, which will select the construction contractor.
Furthermore, the Weranso Solar Plant will cover roughly 250 hectares. Ethiopian Electric Power will connect the plant to a nearby substation near Mile town through a new high-voltage transmission line. The African Development Bank is supporting the project. Once operational, the plant will also expand Ethiopia’s renewable energy footprint and help meet the country’s rising electricity demand.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia continues to invite foreign firms to participate in renewable energy projects through competitive bidding. This strategy attracts investment and technical expertise for the sector. The Weranso project aligns with the government’s 2030 clean energy plan, which focuses on solar, wind, hydro and geothermal resources. The award of the consultancy contract marks a key milestone in transitioning the project into the construction phase, once the preparatory studies and documents are completed.