Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the 100 MW Asila wind farm in Itiya, Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State.
Ethiopia inaugurates a massive wind power plant
According to the Ethiopian News Agency, the farm adds significant clean energy to the national grid as part of Ethiopia’s project towards a diversified and sustainable energy future.
The agency notes that the project, funded with €145 million in support from Denmark, was constructed by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy with consultancy from the Ethiopian Engineering and Electric Power Corporation.
In his speech during the opening ceremony, Abi described the wind farm as a beacon of hope for the future and noted that the investment is expected to be recouped within a short period, positioning the facility as a sustainable income-generating asset.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister also highlighted that ongoing reforms in the energy sector have increased the national power generation capacity from 4,000 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts, significantly boosting the country’s energy supply and shifting key institutions from financial pressures to improved operational performance.
He added that Ethiopia's reform-driven development path remains firmly on track, and attempts to disrupt the country's progress, whether internally or externally, will not succeed.
The Ethiopian agency quoted Abiy Ahmed as saying that, in addition to generating electricity, the wind farm has strengthened local infrastructure, particularly access to roads, creating better market links for surrounding agricultural communities.
In this regard, the Ethiopian Prime Minister pointed out that the success in implementing major projects is evidence of Ethiopia’s growing ability to efficiently implement large infrastructure projects.
Abiy Ahmed concluded his speech by pledging to make an unwavering effort to improve the livelihoods of citizens and secure national prosperity, saying that the time will come when we will be greater than ever before.
