Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the first phase of the Aysha II Wind Power Plant on February 2, 2026, marking a milestone in the country's push for energy self-sufficiency. The Chinese-built project in the Somali Regional State drew regional leaders including Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, underscoring its cross-border significance.
Developed by China's Dongfang Electric Corporation, the wind farm's first phase delivers 80 MW to Ethiopia's national grid through 32 operational turbines. Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the project's role in leveraging local resources for economic transformation, stating: "Clean energy development is central to our long-term vision."
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) CEO Ashebir Balcha revealed plans to launch two additional wind projects in the region this year, with combined capacity reaching 650 MW. The Aysha II facility features advanced 2.5 MW turbines – a technological leap from previous Ethiopian wind farms – demonstrating China's growing role in African renewable energy infrastructure.
EEP Communication Director Moges Mekonnen noted the project's regional integration potential: "This isn't just about power generation, but creating sustainable partnerships." With 16 more turbines scheduled for installation, the completed plant will provide electricity to over 300,000 households while reducing carbon emissions by 260,000 tons annually.
