Strategy for Geothermal Resource Exploration and Development in Ethiopia

Abstract

Energy consumption in Ethiopia is (a) low in per capita terms, and (b) underdeveloped by structure. It is made up of (i) less than 1% electricity, (ii) about 5.4% hydrocarbon fuels, and (iii) the balance is from traditional biomass fuels. Most of the petroleum products are consumed in the transport sector, whereas household energy comprises primarily of biomass fuels. About 40 million tons of fuel wood and 8 million tons of agri-residue are consumed annually. An important source of rural fuel supply is animal droppings. Government’s Energy Policy is an integral part of its overall development policy. It aims to facilitate the development of energy resources for economical supply to consumers. It seeks to achieve the accelerated development of indigenous energy resources and the promotion of private investment in the production and supply of energy. Electricity supply, as an element of the development infrastructure is being advanced in two fronts: The building up of the grid based supply system to reach all administrative and market towns, and rural electrification based on independent, privately owned supply systems in areas where the grid has not reached. The present total generation capacity is 814 MW, with