Ethiopia's Energy Overview

Ethiopia’s total installed capacity is about 4,500 MW with hydro constituting 88.9% followed by wind with 7.6%, then diesel 3.3%, and finally geothermal 0.2%. The grid electrification is about 33% with 11% off-grid access. On average there is 100 kWh per capita electricity consumption. From 1996 till 2018 the:

• Biomass energy share decreased from 96.6% to 87%
• Hydrocarbon fuels share increased from 4.8% to 10.4%
• Electricity 0.6% to 2.6%

This shows that although there is a shift to modern energy fuels still biomass contributes the major share in energy consumption. However, the plan is to accelerate the modern renewable energy transition to replace traditional fuels. A National Electrification Program (NEP 1.0) was launched in 2017 to achieve universal electricity access by 2025. The updated version of NEP 2.0 was launched in April 2019 which features are as follow:

• It is sector-wide and integrated approach (both supply and demand-side planning)
• Effective and efficient service delivery
• Address the equity issue
• In 2025, 65% grid and 35% off-grid connectivity
• In 2030, 96% grid and 4% off-grid connectivity

The power sector reforms are currently going on to strengthen energy governance and build strong energy institutions: 

• Regulatory Framework Strengthening: Develop and implement a comprehensive and efficient regulatory framework covering technical, operational, quality and economic regulation for each activity
• Develop a sustainable electricity industry by promoting investments in
• Transmission
• Distribution and generation
• To strengthen the security of supply 
• Enable exports and advance electrification.

The Atomic Energy Policy Objective is to consider the peaceful application of atomic energy for power generation through adoption and adaptation of international basic safety standards and related treaties.

The Ethiopian government has set up a “national nuclear task force” under the ministry of Innovation and Technology to handle various Nuclear Technologies infrastructure issues. According to Mr. Surur Kedir, Director at Ethiopian Radiation Protection Authority, the Ethiopian Nuclear Science and Technology Institute is going to be established soon. On the other hand, an agreement concerning the “Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy” has been signed between Ethiopia and Russia. According to the agreement, the two sides will form a committee to draft a list of projects for a nuclear power plant, and research reactors to create radioactive isotopes for medical, agriculture and research purposes. So far, 5 sites for a research reactor are proposed and feasibility study will be undertaken.   

Many challenges arise in the face of nuclear implementation in Ethiopia such as:

• Lack of trained and competent human resources.
• Effort for Public Awareness.
• Efforts are needed for ratifying the legal- binding instruments.
• Need to draft a large number of regulatory documents (regulations, codes, standards etc.

The insights provided above are taken from the discussion following NBP conversations: Ethiopia on 20 August 2020, This virtual meeting has been a great opportunity to showcase Ethiopia's latest energy updates. The webinar saw the participation of:

• Mr. Surur Kedir, Director, Notification and Authorization Directorate, Ethiopian Radiation Protection Authority
• Hailu Assefa, Director, Energy R&D, Measurement, Verification and Testing Laboratory, Ethiopian Energy Authority 

NBP Conversations is a series of discussions held online which brings together a focus group of global nuclear stakeholders to discuss topics related to nuclear energy adoption in the emerging markets. The discussions will focus on a specific country or technology/services solution. NBP conversations will continue with Nigeria (27 August). After that we are planning to hold NBP conversations about different locations in The Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. 

For more information contact [email protected]