Return to service of the Gilgel Gibe II hydroelectric power station in Ethiopia

30 December 2010

The Gilgel Gibe II hydroelectric power station in Ethiopia has been brought back online this week, after closing last year following the collapse of part of a tunnel.

"The Gilgel Gibe II hydroelectric power station has returned to service after its activities were suspended for 11 months", said EEPco in a press release.

The power station has a rated output of 420 MW and can generate an annual average of 1,625 GWh, which represents 50 percent of the electricity needs of the country, reports the "Maroc Journal".

This reopening will enable Ethiopia to satisfy the country's electricity needs and increase its production capacity, in line with the governmental objective of total production of 8,000 MW by 2015 and 10,000 MW in 2018. At present, this figure is 2,000MW.

Because of its huge potential for hydroelectric power (46,000 MW), Ethiopia is investing in the construction of dams, with four currently being built.
 

Category: Energy