Ethiopia unveils Africa's first waste-to-energy plant

Ethiopia has unveiled Africa’s first waste-to-energy plant, a groundbreaking $120 million facility that processes over 1,400 tons of waste daily. This innovative plant has the capacity to generate enough electricity to power 25% of the homes in Addis Ababa, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sustainable development efforts.

Beyond generating power, the plant can produce 3 million bricks from ash and recover 30 million liters of water from waste, showcasing its multifaceted benefits. This project highlights Ethiopia’s commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources to address urban waste and energy needs.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has reported impressive financial gains from the country’s energy sector, earning $78 million from electricity exports. Ethiopia currently sells electricity to Djibouti, Sudan, and Kenya, with Kenya being the newest addition to this energy network. Recently, Ethiopia has also started supplying electricity to Tanzania.

The waste-to-energy plant exemplifies Ethiopia’s innovative approach to sustainable development, providing a model for other African nations.