Ethiopia wants to strengthen energetic cooperation with China

February 27, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopia expressed hope to boost its cooperation with China on construction, power supply and transmission and mine exploration sectors.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Mine and Energy, Alemayehu Tegenu held talks with the Chinese delegation led by Chinese Construction Minister, Wang Guangtao on Wednesday. The Chinese delegation started today a four-day working visit to Ethiopia.

Alemayehu said the ongoing construction of five power generating projects in the country would enable the country generate 3,200 MW electric power in the coming few years. He further added that Ethiopia has economically exploitable hydropower potential of over 45,000 MW.

Despite Ethiopia’s huge hydroelectric potential, the exploitation rate is only about three percent, he said.

He encouraged Chinese firms, including Sinohydro Corporation, to come to Ethiopia and develop the country’s rich hydroelectric resources.

Alemayehu said the project of north Ethiopia’s Tekeze hydroelectric station, being mainly carried out by Sinohydro Corporation, has been progressing very well, adding that the Tekeze power station will be completed and generate electricity in August this year.

Through cooperation with Sinohydro Corporation, the Ethiopian side has learned a lot of experiences in the electric power construction sector, he said.

Wang Guangtao for his part said Sinohydro Corporation will maintain a very strict quality control and complete building the Tekeze hydroelectric station on schedule.

Wang said the power project will become a exemplary one in the electric power cooperation between the two countries. He pledged to present the requests made by the Ethiopian government to his government.

(ST)