Nov 25 2010
The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Terra Energy Developers for the designing, procuring and construction of a 400 MW capacity wind park project located in Debre Berhan.
According to the MOU, Nevada-based Terra Energy would establish a wind turbine plant in Ethiopia, and also take care of the financial aspect. Terra Energy, which is a joint undertaking between three companies, Pacific Renewable Energy Consulting, Global Enterprise Engineering Solutions and Princeton Energy Group, will also manage the plant and its operation, along with the technological transfer. The agreement holds true for one year and was inked by Mehiret Debebe, the CEO of EEPCo and five Terra officials.
Initially, a feasibility study has been planned by Terra followed by an environmental impact assessment and a financial plan before the end of the year. EEPCo has planned seven wind projects during the next five year period, of which the Debre Berhan Wind Park is one. At the outset, the park was estimated to have a generation capacity of 100 MW, which was later changed to 400 MW after an assessment report indicated that 400 MW could be generated.
During the next five years, a total of 8000 MW power generation capacity is being planned for Ethiopia, out of which the EEPCo estimates that 1000 MW would be generated from wind energy.