Energy Ministry Bets 200K on 100kW Solar Project to Prove a Point
BaseLine Team
13 Jun, 2025
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy just powered up a new $200,000 solar installation at its Addis Ababa compound. The 100-kilowatt rooftop system, built in partnership with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), is tiny compared to the country’s 6.8 gigawatt national capacity.
Yet officials say its impact goes beyond the numbers.
“This is a model.” “A blueprint for how institutions can integrate clean energy while supporting the broader grid.”
Habtamu Itefa (PhD), Minister of Water and Energy.
Built by Ararat Construction, the system is bi-directional and smart-metered, meaning it supplies the Ministry’s energy needs during working hours and sends any extra power directly into the national grid on weekends or off-hours.
“We’ve proven solar works in rural areas.” “Now we’re showing it works for institutions, too.”
Sultan Wali (PhD), State Minister for Energy Development.
According to ISA representative Abiy Girma, the system tracks electricity flows in real time, allowing detailed insights into hourly input and output. This transparency, he said, makes it replicable and investor-ready.
“Any capable investor can build a similar system, power their operations, and sell the surplus.”
Abiy Girma, ISA representative.
