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Addis Ababa, 28 February 2014 (WIC) - The Ethiopian Electric Power said that the construction of Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam, Gibe III, Genale Dawa (GDIII) and other Wind Farm Power Generation projects is being accelerated to realize the Growth and Transformation Plan energy sector goals.
Briefing journalists on the progress of ongoing mega power generation projects yesterday, Ethiopian Electric Power External Public Relations Head Miskir Negash said extensive efforts are underway to realize the GTP in the power generation sector aspiring to increase national power supply.
According to Miskir, the construction of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Gibe III and GDIII has been accelerated with a view to increasing power supply and coverage of the country within the GTP period. Accordingly, the construction of GRD has reached 32 per cent. Currently, concrete filing works is underway predominantly. So far, the project has created 7,000 job opportunities and the number would increase as more works are commenced. Works are being undertaking day and night.
With regard to Gibe III project, Miskir indicated activities are underway to launch first phase power generation of the Project within a year. In so doing, two power units are equipped and would be made available with facilities to commence power generation in the early moths of 2007 E.C, he added.
He also noted that various construction phases of Gibe III, which is expected to increase the current energy capacity of power supply of the country by 94 per cent are nearing completion. Gibe III high kilo volt electric transmission line has already been completed while the power house concrete work is underway as well.
Concerning Genale Dawa (GDIII), Miskir also said that the project has reached 48.5 per cent. DGIII Hydroelectric, whose 60 and 40 per cent cost is covered loan from Chinese Bank and the Ethiopian government coffer respectively, will have an installed capacity of 254 MW when it goes fully operational.
He further indicated that the construction of Adama II wind farm project has also been accelerated with the capacity of generating 153 MW. The project is 40 per cent complete. The 230 KV electric transmission station and 33 KV tower works have already been finalized. The total cost of the project is 345 million USD provided by Axiom Bank of China and the Ethiopian government, he added.
Asked about the frequent power interruption in Addis and other areas, Miskir said that the problem is highly related with the low quality of transformers and other man-made causes like acts of vandalism on transmission lines.
Indicating that the Power is working with Metal Engineering Corporation (METEC) to make quality transformers available, he underlined that the problem would be overcome sooner and he called up on the public to prevent vandalism.(EH)
