Large-scale investment by the Danish government in African wind energy

Minister for Development Cooperation Ulla Tørnæs has approved a Danish co-financing of 600 million DKK for the construction of a wind farm up to 54 turbines, or 100 MW, close to Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa. The total investment in the wind farm amounts to 1.26 billion DKK, of which Danida Business Finance contributes 600 million DKK. The project will be tendered among Danish companies.

"The private sector’s involvement is crucial for development projects in Africa to be sustainable in the long term. Danida Business Finance makes it possible to implement public infrastructure projects in countries where it is difficult to attract financing on market terms. In this way, Denmark supports developing countries’ investments in growth creating solutions" says Minister for Development Cooperation, Ulla Tørnæs.

The wind farm will be able to deliver sustainable power to more than a hundred thousand households in a country where less than one third have access to electricity. The goal of Ethiopia is access to electricity for all by 2025. With this investment, the African country is moving a step further towards succeeding.

Ethiopia is one of the world's poorest countries. Climate change causes frequent and widespread drought. Hydropower plants dominate the power supply, which makes production vulnerable in periods of water shortage.

The Danish Government wants to contribute to sustainable economic growth in developing countries to the benefit of all. Focus is on areas where Denmark has special expertise, resources and interests, such as wind energy.