A feasibility study for the construction of five small-scale hydro-power plants, built and managed by private investors, is being evaluated by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water & Energy (MoWE).

Four cooperatives and a private investor from the Southern region have already been selected by the Ministry’s Rural Electrification Fund (REF) to invest on the sites.

The study, conducted by the Water Works Design & Supervision Enterprise (WWDSE), assessed the energy that could be produced from five different rivers in Amhara, Benishangul, Gambella, Oromia and the Southern Regional State.

The study was commissioned a year ago by the MoWE when approached by cooperatives and individuals keen to invest in electricity generation.

There are around 50 private investors involved in the generation and supply of energy, according to data from the Ethiopian Electric Agency.

Source: Ethiopian Embassy in London