Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated over the week-end the first phase of the Aysha II Wind Power Plant in the Somali Regional State, reaffirming that clean energy development is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s long-term economic transformation and self-reliance agenda.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, attended by Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Abiy underscored the project’s significance in harnessing local resources and strengthening regional integration.
He expressed appreciation to Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), China’s Dongfang Electric Corporation—which executed the project—and the local community for their role in completing the first phase.
Launched in 2017, the Aysha II project will have a total installed capacity of 120 megawatts (MW). According to EEP Chief Executive Officer Ashebir Balcha, 80 MW from the first phase has already been connected to Ethiopia’s national grid. Upon full completion, the facility will comprise 48 wind turbines,
with 32 currently operational, each generating 2.5 MW of electricity.
Balcha noted that the Somali Region holds significant renewable and natural gas potential, adding that the Government plans to launch two additional wind projects in nearby areas with combined generating capacities of 300 MW and 350 MW. EEP officials further highlighted that the Aysha II project
incorporates new technologies and designs not previously used in Ethiopia’s earlier wind farms, enhancing efficiency and output.
The project is positioned as a strategic asset not only for Ethiopia’s energy security but also for cross-border connectivity and regional economic cooperation in the Horn of Africa.