Does Ethiopia need to install energy storage for solar power generation

Can solar power transform Ethiopia's energy landscape?

Among these, solar energy emerges as a beacon of hope, poised to transform Ethiopia's energy landscape and drive socioeconomic development. Significantly, the country has relied heavily on hydropower, which accounts for more than 90% of its electricity generation.

Does Ethiopia have a solar energy potential?

Ethiopia’s annual direct solar radiation potential (Source: ). Bekele and Palm studied the solar energy potential of four locations in Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, the capital city. Bekele and Boneya further showed how a PV-wind hybrid system is feasible to electrify a rural village.

Is solar a viable option in Ethiopia?

But our previous study identified that the policy makers in Ethiopia believe that solar is too costly and not a viable option . The current electricity tariff in Ethiopia is highly subsidized and one of the lowest in Africa. The tariff depends on the monthly energy consumption and varies among user classification.

Why should Ethiopia invest in solar energy?

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Ethiopia is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The deployment of solar energy systems not only helps mitigate climate change but also supports the country's broader sustainable development objectives, including poverty alleviation, and economic resilience.