Ethiopia Surges as Africa’s Renewable-Energy Leader

Ethiopia has more than doubled its electricity generation capacity since 2017, emerging as a clean-energy powerhouse in Africa. Installed capacity rose from 4,462 megawatts to 9,752 megawatts, while national access to electricity increased from 44 percent to roughly 54 percent, according to state-run Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP).

The expansion is driven by large-scale hydropower, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam – Africa’s largest hydropower plant, officially inaugurated last year – along with grid upgrades. Transmission lines now span over 21,000 kilometers (13,000 miles).

Nearly all of Ethiopia’s electricity comes from renewables: hydropower dominates, with wind providing nearly 5 percent and geothermal less than 1 percent. EEP’s communications director, Moges Mekonnen, said authorities plan to boost investment in wind, solar and geothermal projects to enhance climate resilience.

The rapid growth supports rising domestic demand and aims to increase electricity exports to neighboring countries, as many African economies accelerate renewable energy investments to address chronic shortages and meet climate goals.