Ethiopia Reaffirms Commitment to Green Energy, Building Horn of Africa’s Largest Onshore Wind Project

Addis Ababa: Finance Minister Ahmed Shide has reiterated Ethiopia's unwavering commitment to green energy at the Aysha Wind Power Project agreement signed to build Horn of Africa's largest 300 MW onshore wind project.The landmark agreement was signed between Ministry of Finance and UAE's AMEA Power today.The Aysha project is poised to become the largest wind energy project in the Horn of Africa, investing USD 620 million.The power purchase and implementation agreement with the renewable energy company is expected to develop, invest, build, own and operate the wind farm through its full-subsidiary AMEA Power Aysha Wind One PLC, it was learned.The energy generated will be sold to Ethiopian Electric Power under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said the project is a cornerstone of Ethiopia's energy policy and a legacy to be set in the renewable energy movement.'This clearly shows our unwavering commitment to green energy and also to ener gy diversification. This project is not just about generating power, it's about energizing our future through sustainable green development.'The project will also catalyze community development, enhance industrial productivity and stimulate technological advancement.According to him, the strategic location of Aysha, which the government is planning in the future to invest in logistics and other industrial capacity, will make it the ideal opportunity.The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation toward the sustainability and renewable sources, the minister said, adding that in this context the Aysha Wind One project is a testament to Ethiopia's role as a regional leader in Africa's green energy transition.Moreover, the finance minister stated that the country is undergoing a remarkable economic reform underpinned by comprehensive and strategic initiative across all sectors.One of the key economic reforms to achieve the desired objective set by the government is to engage the potential and repeatable private sector engagement in the economic development of the country, he added.In this regard, Ahmed said 'the recent investment framework reform in public-private partnership has created opportunities to expand economic ties, cooperation and collaboration with the Government of the United Arab Emirates.AMEA Power Chairman, Hussain Al Nowais said on his part that the signing ceremony of Aysha power purchase and the implementation agreements is a historic milestone and testament to the exceptional partnership between Ethiopia and UAE.'We have recently started commissioning two of the largest projects in the continent of Africa, a 500 MW wind and a 500 MW solar. We are quite keen and excited to reach that day and commission Aysha in a speedy and good way,' he stated.Energy transition is the way forward, the chairman said, adding that the Aysha wind project is a step in that direction.Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is a catalyst for sustainable development in th e country to create more than 1500 direct jobs during the construction and operation phase, it was learned.AMEA Power is honored to be part of this transformative journey, Ethiopia, Al Nowais stated, pointing out that the strategic location of Ethiopia and its commitment to clean energy will attract more and more investment.Source: Ethiopian News Agency