Ethiopia Unveils Major Clean Energy Expansion
April 18, 2018
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated four major factories at Hawassa Industrial Park, marking a decisive progress in Ethiopia’s renewable energy and industrial development drive.
The newly opened Toyo Phase 2, Origin, and Lumintech Solar Factories, alongside the HZ Gas facility, represent a combined investment exceeding $176 million and position Ethiopia as a rising force in Africa’s clean energy sector.
Together, the solar factories will generate 11.3 gigawatts of renewable power annually, reinforcing national energy security and advancing Ethiopia’s sustainability agenda. Complementing this, the HZ Gas plant, built with $6 million in investment and will supply 900 tons of oxygen, 40,000 tons of nitrogen, and 7 tons of hydrogen each year, ensuring critical inputs for industrial and energy production.
Toyo Solar, which invested $170 million, has completed its expansion, boosting its annual capacity to 4 gigawatts.
The government’s direct invitation policy for international companies has accelerated the establishment of large-scale solar panel manufacturing plants, further embedding Ethiopia in the global clean energy value chain.
This milestone underscores Ethiopia’s success in linking renewable energy policy with industrial growth and technology transfer, setting a powerful precedent for sustainable development across the continent.
