Scholarlink

<p>Ethiopia possesses one of Africa’s largest untapped hydropower potentials, estimated at over 45,000&#xa0;MW, yet less than 10–12% is currently harnessed. This review critically examines Ethiopia’s hydropower development journey, highlighting achievements, challenges, and future prospects for balancing water and energy demands. We synthesize evidence from river basin assessments, national energy policies, power sector advisors and regional cooperation framework with integrating climate-resilience, socio-economic, and governance considerations. Major large-scale projects, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Gibe series, have positioned Ethiopia as a potential regional energy hub, offering economic growth, energy export opportunities, and employment. While water drives economic growth and poverty reduction, Ethiopia faces challenges in utilizing its water resources efficiently. Notably, 80–90% of the country water resources are concentrated in the Abay (Blue Nile), Tekeze, Baro-Akobo, and Omo-Gibe basins, located in regions with just 30–40% of the population of country. However, hydropower development faces constraints including climate variability, transboundary water management complexities, social impacts, and infrastructure limitations. We evaluate mitigation strategies, including diversification of renewable energy sources, adoption of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), public-private partnerships, and regional cooperation mechanisms. The review identifies gaps in policy implementation, environmental and social safeguards, technology transfer, and proposes pathways for sustainable hydropower expansion. This study integrates analytical insights on hydropower, water governance, and climate adaptation strategies to provide actionable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. It aims to support the effective management of Ethiopia’s energy resources, promote equitable and sustainable water management, and advance renewable energy development while addressing environmental and geopolitical challenges.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Achievements, challenges and future pathways of hydropower development in Ethiopia

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月3日

查看全文
  • Muse Wldmchel Shomre,
  • Endalkachew Seyoum Abusha

摘要

Ethiopia possesses one of Africa’s largest untapped hydropower potentials, estimated at over 45,000 MW, yet less than 10–12% is currently harnessed. This review critically examines Ethiopia’s hydropower development journey, highlighting achievements, challenges, and future prospects for balancing water and energy demands. We synthesize evidence from river basin assessments, national energy policies, power sector advisors and regional cooperation framework with integrating climate-resilience, socio-economic, and governance considerations. Major large-scale projects, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Gibe series, have positioned Ethiopia as a potential regional energy hub, offering economic growth, energy export opportunities, and employment. While water drives economic growth and poverty reduction, Ethiopia faces challenges in utilizing its water resources efficiently. Notably, 80–90% of the country water resources are concentrated in the Abay (Blue Nile), Tekeze, Baro-Akobo, and Omo-Gibe basins, located in regions with just 30–40% of the population of country. However, hydropower development faces constraints including climate variability, transboundary water management complexities, social impacts, and infrastructure limitations. We evaluate mitigation strategies, including diversification of renewable energy sources, adoption of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), public-private partnerships, and regional cooperation mechanisms. The review identifies gaps in policy implementation, environmental and social safeguards, technology transfer, and proposes pathways for sustainable hydropower expansion. This study integrates analytical insights on hydropower, water governance, and climate adaptation strategies to provide actionable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. It aims to support the effective management of Ethiopia’s energy resources, promote equitable and sustainable water management, and advance renewable energy development while addressing environmental and geopolitical challenges.