- Development consultants appointed to advance feasibility and permitting for Afar region solar plant.
- Project forms part of Ethiopia’s strategy to diversify its power generation mix.
- African Development Bank support underpins progress toward construction.
Ethiopia has appointed development consultants for the 150 MW Weranso Solar Plant in the north eastern Afar region. The project forms part of the country’s broader efforts to diversify electricity generation and reduce reliance on hydropower and thermal sources as national demand continues to rise.
The consultancy contract has been awarded to South Africa based Thabo Consulting Engineering in partnership with Portugal’s Sun Business Development. Valued at approximately USD 706,790, the mandate covers a range of preparatory activities required to move the project toward implementation. These include a full feasibility study, environmental and social impact assessments, and the preparation of a resettlement action plan for communities that may be affected. The consultants will also develop bidding documentation to support the engineering procurement and construction phase.
The Weranso Solar Plant is owned by Ethiopian Electric Power and is being developed with financial and technical support from the African Development Bank. The facility is expected to cover about 250 hectares and will be connected to a nearby substation close to Mile town through a new high voltage transmission line, enabling integration into the national grid.
The award highlights Ethiopia’s continued use of competitive and internationally supported procurement to attract foreign expertise into its renewable energy sector. Under the country’s energy roadmap to 2030, solar generation is expected to play a growing role alongside wind, geothermal and hydropower. Completion of the development studies brings the Weranso project closer to construction, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s transition toward a more diversified and resilient power system.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
