Ethiopia among top five biggest wind energy markets in Africa

Addis Ababa, February 21, 2018 (FBC) –Ethiopia is among the top five markets in the African continent that are leading the way in wind power generation, renewable energy focus magazine reports.

South Africa stands as the major contributor of the wind industry of the entire continent, followed by Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia and Kenya.

Placed in fourth position, Ethiopia has installed more than 320 MW of wind farms to date, the report indicated.

The dry season in Ethiopia is also the windy season, meaning that wind power is a good complement to hydropower, which is by far the biggest source of renewable energy.

With over 75% of the country 100 million people not connected to the national grid and mainly living in rural areas, Ethiopia’s energy needs are huge.

To meet rising demand, the government needs to increase its electricity production by 20 to 25% per year, according to figures from the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity of Ethiopia.

In addition to that, Ethiopia has set a target of slashing its carbon emissions by 64% within the next 14 years, one of the most ambitious national goals across the planet.

The five biggest wind markets in Africa