• Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Aysha II wind farm on January 31

• The project adds 120 MW and supports grid stability with modern technologies

• Aysha II strengthens Ethiopia’s renewable mix and regional energy ambitions

Ethiopia has commissioned the Aysha II wind power project, marking a new step in its push to expand renewable energy capacity and strengthen power supply. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the facility on January 31, describing it as a major investment in the country’s renewable energy program.

Located in the Somali region, the Aysha II project is designed to provide the energy infrastructure needed to support a technology-driven economy. The facility integrates modern systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Static Var Generator technologies, aimed at ensuring stable and scalable electricity supply to support industrial growth.

Its geographic position near neighboring countries also reinforces Ethiopia’s ambition to play a central role in regional energy trade, supporting closer energy ties across the Horn of Africa. Abiy Ahmed said the project represents a cornerstone of the country’s energy security strategy.

The wind farm forms part of Ethiopia’s broader energy transition and efforts to diversify its power mix, as the country seeks to reduce an electricity deficit that still affects more than half of the population.

To expand access to electricity, the Ethiopian government has stepped up investment in power generation and rolled out large national programs. The commissioning of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with an estimated capacity of more than 5,000 MW, has already significantly increased national generation capacity.

The Aysha II project was launched in 2017 through a partnership between Chinese firm Dongfang and state-owned Ethiopian Electric Power. The facility has an installed capacity of 120 MW.

Lydie Mobio