Since the end of 2004 GTZ has supported the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo), the Ethiopian national utility, in the planning of grid-connected wind farms with an output of the order of 50 MW or above. The support services provided by GTZ comprise advice on site selection, measurement and evaluation of wind data at the selected sites, the preparation of feasibility studies and assistance with tendering procedures. In cooperation with the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), theoretical and practical training has been carried out for employees of EEPCo to back up the project.

Of the total of nine sites where measurements were taken, feasibility studies were drawn up for two sites in conjunction with EEPCo. Given average wind speeds of over 8 m/s measured at a height of 40 m, the cost of generating electricity from wind is roughly half as much as that from diesel power plants, which is what would otherwise be built. Not only that: the wind is at its strongest when the reservoirs for the hydroelectric power stations are at a low level. As approximately 98% of the electricity generated in Ethiopia comes from hydropower plants, the use of wind energy will increase the security of electricity supplies.

On the basis of these promising results, EEPCo invited tenders for a total of 120 MW at the Ashegoda site in the north of Ethiopia. The received bids are currently being evaluated.

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