190M Br Solar Power Mini-Grid Project Electrifies Oromia

A solar mini-grid project capable of generating 370 kilowatts of energy was unveiled in Oromia Regional State. Dubbed ODA, the 190-million-birr project located in the Eastern Borena Zone will power nearly 15,000 residents.

The project was developed through the cooperation of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), European Union alongside federal and regional water and energy authorities.

With access to the national grid remaining at nearly 50% across Ethiopia, off-grid solutions are increasingly recommended by energy experts as a viable alternative. Teshome Mossisa, a representative from the Oromia President’s Office referred to the project as a crucial component of driving innovation in the region.

Sultan Woli (PhD), State Minister for Water & Energy pointed out potential benefits to small and medium enterprises in the region in addition to helping light up neighborhoods and providing sustainable energy sources for cooking.

Indoor air pollution arising from the use of biomass fuels is a serious problem across Ethiopia leading to an estimated 50,000 deaths annually. With nearly 90% of households relying on solid biomass for energy, alternative sources are increasingly critical for ensuring sustainability and safety.