Is hydropower a viable energy resource in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, hydropower is the most abundant renewable energy resource. There is a vast energy resource potential, which, if employed, could reduce the present energy crisis and increase rural electrification.

What is the potential of micro hydro power in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia Electric Agency, 2003, estimated the theoretical potential of micro hydro power in Ethiopia to be about 100MW.

What are the major hydropower projects in Ethiopia?

Two major hydropower projects – the 1,870 MW Gibe III dam on the Omo River, which began operations in 2015, and the 6,000 MW Grand Ethiopian Renaissance dam (expected to commence operations in 2017) on the Nile represent a five– -fold increase on the installed capacity in 2011. The country alone is not able to absorb the additional production.

Where are hydropower potential sites located in Ethiopia?

Hydropower potential sites have been identified within the Tekeze, Gojeb, and Abbay River Basins in Ethiopia. The selected sites, one in each basin, are now being studied in detail to prepare for effective implementation.

What is pumped storage hydropower (PSH)?

Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) currently accounts for over 90% of storage capacity and stored energy in grid scale applications globally. The current storage volume of PSH stations is at least 9,000 GWh, whereas batteries amount to just 7-8 GWh.

How many microhydropower sites are there in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia's Amhara region, there are around thirty three suitable and deliberated areas for microhydropower. From these, Temie River is one of the sites that has 1029 population who dwell around it without electric power access.