Clean Energy Transition for All
Leveraging Ethiopia’s abundant and diverse renewable energy resources, Global Gateway accelerates the transition to a modern, sustainable, climate-resilient and efficient energy system that powers and empowers all Ethiopian citizens. This aim is to boost universal access to essential services and economic opportunities powered by renewable energy, benefiting individuals, businesses, and social institutions alike. Additionally, it will foster regional energy integration and supports decarbonisation efforts in Eastern Africa and beyond.
Investing in a stronger, smarter and greener power grid
Team Europe mobilises highly concessional and comprehensive financing packages in Ethiopia to make the electricity grid stronger, smarter and greener. Through the Global Gateway RISED Ethiopia flagship initiative, four Team Europe members have partnered with Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) to fund the rehabilitation, modernisation and digitalisation of its core infrastructure. This initiative includes notably high-grade substation automation, the construction of a new, cybersecure load dispatch centre the rehabilitation of the 120MW Ashegoda wind farm and the expansion of the broadband network. Beyond infrastructure development, RISED Ethiopia takes a 360° approach to support the professionalisation of the energy sector. This involves leveraging technical expertise from EU counterparts, constructing a state-of-the-art, digitalized Energy Training Centre, and launching targeted initiatives focused on organisational change, standardization, asset management, and gender mainstreaming.
Team Europe also invests in private-led and climate-resilient renewable energy generation projects, such as the development of the Assela 100MW wind farm financed by Denmark and developed by Siemens Energy.
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RISED Ethiopia
Investing for inclusive access to clean, modern and affordable energy
In recent years, the EU has significantly invested in expanding access to clean and affordable energy services in rural areas. Key initiatives include the installation of mini-grids in remote communities, the solar electrification of over 100 health facilities, and the installation of 26,000 household biodigesters. Additionally, the EU is funding a pilot program aimed at bolstering the local entrepreneurial ecosystem for higher tier clean cooking solutions. It is also enhancing the integration of solutions for productive use of renewable energy—such as solar-powered irrigation systems, cold storage, and organic fertiliser produced by biodigesters—within horticultural value chains.
Investing in Ethiopia’s low-carbon development
The EU finances a number of multi-country initiatives supporting Ethiopia with technical assistance in view of future investments. This includes notably strengthening regional power integration at continental and sub-regional level by developing a sustainable African Single Electricity Market fostered by a Continental Power System Masterplan. Technical assistance is also mobilised to build partnerships and prepare investments on sustainable aviation fuels, e-mobility and research and development on renewable energy.
Strengthening Ethiopia’s resilience to climate change
Ethiopia is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, with recurrent droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events. These shocks have a significant impact on food security, water resources, and livelihoods. Among other initiatives, the EU will strengthen climate resilience and biodiversity conservation while improving livelihoods in Key Landscapes for Conservation and Development (KLDCs), such as the Simien Mountains National Park (Amhara), the Desa’a Forest Reserve (Tigray) and the Hallaideghe pastoralist rangelands (Afar).