Challenge and opportunities on energy provision and rural electrification in Ethiopia

Abstract

The energy problem in Ethiopia is both serious and widespread. Lack of access to modern energy in Ethiopia affects as much as 85% of the population who are living in rural and pre-urban area of the country. The majority of the population remains dependent on biomass fuels for heating, lighting and cooking their daily meals. However, Ethiopia has a considerable renewable energy potential, with an abundant hydropower, solar, wind and geothermal energy. Despite the huge potential to exploit renewable energy resources, historically only a very small portion has been developed. Therefore, this paper gives a brief account of energy consumption pattern in the economic sector, renewable energy potential and barriers for its dissemination, the challenges of energy provision both urban and rural area and finally presents some recommendation for promotion, development and implementation of renewable energy technology in the country to overcome the problems.