Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the first phase of the Aysha II Wind Power Plant in the Somali Regional State, highlighting the project’s role in the country’s long-term economic transformation and clean energy development.
The ceremony was attended by regional leaders, including Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Speaking at the event, Abiy said the project exemplifies Ethiopia’s commitment to self-reliance by harnessing its renewable energy resources effectively.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), Dongfang Electric Corporation, the Chinese company that executed the project, and the people of the region for their contribution to the successful completion of the first phase,” Abiy said.
Launched in 2017, the Aysha II project is designed to reach a total installed capacity of 120 megawatts (MW). The first phase, which adds 80 MW to the national grid, features 32 operational wind turbines, each capable of generating 2.5 MW of electricity. Upon completion, the plant will operate 48 turbines.
EEP Chief Executive Officer Ashebir Balcha said the project takes advantage of the Somali Region’s abundant renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, and natural gas. “The government will shortly launch two additional wind farm projects in nearby areas, with generating capacities of 300 MW and 350 MW respectively,” Balcha said, signaling Ethiopia’s broader commitment to renewable energy expansion.
Moges Mekonnen, communication director at EEP, noted that the project incorporates technologies and designs introduced by Dongfang Electric Corporation that were not used in Ethiopia’s first three wind farms. “Each windmill at Aysha II generates 2.5 MW at maximum, at least one MW higher than each windmill at previous projects in the country,” he said.
Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that clean energy development is not only central to Ethiopia’s economic growth but also crucial for regional integration and cross-border energy connectivity. The project underscores the country’s efforts to collaborate with neighboring nations in advancing energy security and sustainable development.
Analysts say Ethiopia is leveraging its significant wind and solar potential to diversify its energy mix, reduce reliance on hydropower, and address the growing electricity demand of its expanding population and industrial base. Investments like Aysha II are part of the country’s strategy to strengthen energy independence and foster long-term resilience against climate variability.
The Aysha II project is also expected to contribute to local economic development by creating jobs during construction and operation phases while building technical expertise in renewable energy. Ethiopian authorities highlight the importance of such initiatives in nurturing a domestic workforce capable of supporting the country’s rapidly expanding energy sector.
Ethiopia’s push into wind energy reflects a wider trend across East Africa, where countries are increasingly investing in renewable power to meet domestic electricity demand, support industrialization, and reduce carbon emissions. Experts note that strategic deployment of wind and solar energy projects can also enhance regional energy trade, as surplus electricity can be exported to neighboring countries, strengthening economic ties and energy cooperation.
With the inauguration of Aysha II’s first phase, Ethiopia adds a significant new source of clean energy to its national grid, signaling progress toward its renewable energy targets and reinforcing its position as a leading clean energy investor in Africa.
The project represents a step forward in Ethiopia’s broader vision of sustainable development, regional integration, and technological advancement in the energy sector, as the country continues to pursue ambitious goals for economic transformation and climate resilience.
