Assela Wind Powers Ethiopian Grid

Key Figures & Findings: Ethiopia has begun receiving electricity from its newest large-scale wind project as the Assela Wind Farm delivers first power to the national grid. Located in the Oromia region, 150 km south of Addis Ababa, the 100-MW farm is fully owned by state utility Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) and financed by Denmark via a grant from Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF) and a concessional loan from Danske Bank. The project is being constructed by Siemens Gamesa, a European wind energy giant, under the EU’s Global Gateway framework, which aims to mobilize up to €300 billion for strategic sustainable infrastructure. According to Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew, the farm demonstrates “technical, institutional and financial readiness” to accelerate clean energy access and diversify a hydropower-heavy grid. High-level officials from Denmark, the EU, and Ethiopia gathered at the site to mark the milestone.

Statistics & Insights: When fully commissioned by end-2025, Assela’s 29 turbines will produce over 300 GWh annually—enough to power 140,000 households. The wind farm contributes directly to Ethiopia’s low-carbon development goals and strengthens national energy security.

Future Implications: If completed as scheduled in 2025, Assela could pave the way for expanded EU-Ethiopia energy cooperation and position the country as a renewable energy hub in Eastern Africa. Its success may attract further blended finance for grid modernization and green industrialization by 2026.

Source: European External Action Service