Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia today inaugurated its first grid-connected solar rooftop project equipped with bi-directional smart meters, marking a significant step in the country’s renewable energy transition.
Minister of Water and Energy, Engineer Habtamu Itefa, officially launched the 100 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar installation, which is designed to serve as a model for enabling households to produce and consume their own renewable energy.
Speaking at the event, the Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s strong commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio and modernizing the national grid.
He highlighted the progress made over the past nine months in expanding off-grid electricity access, noting that more than 10,000 households have gained access to electricity through solar energy initiatives during this period.
Mr. Habtamu explained that the newly installed rooftop system features advanced bi-directional smart meters capable of seamlessly transferring electricity in both directions—drawing power from the national grid when needed, and feeding surplus solar-generated electricity back into it.
“This project, implemented right here at our headquarters, sends a clear signal about our strategic direction. Our partnership with the International Solar Alliance brings valuable global expertise to our national energy agenda,” he said.
The initiative is expected to meet a significant share of the ministry’s energy demand through clean sources, while serving as a practical demonstration for similar projects across public and private sectors nationwide.
The Minister also emphasized that the completed solar project can serve as a blueprint for individuals seeking to generate and manage their own power needs sustainably.
State Minister for Water and Energy, Sultan Wali, noted that solar technologies are gaining wide acceptance in Ethiopia, particularly in remote areas.
He said solar systems are being installed not only in households, but also in schools and health centers, helping improve energy access in underserved communities, per POA
He further highlighted the role of solar energy in preserving agricultural produce, citing successful applications in the Oromia and Sidama regions where solar power has been used for cooling and storage of fruits and vegetables.
This, he noted, has contributed to maintaining product quality, improving food security, and supporting local economies.
Additionally, solar-powered water pumps are now increasingly used for irrigation.
“This shift to renewable energy in agriculture is not only enhancing crop yields but also providing farmers with sustainable and cost-effective access to water,” Sultan added.