Assela, Ethiopia – 22 May 2025 –   The Assela 100 MW wind farm has reached a significant milestone as its first turbines have started feeding power into Ethiopia’s national grid. By the end of 2025, when all 29 turbines are fully operational, the wind farm will generate over 300 GWh of clean and sustainable energy annually – enough to meet the electricity needs of more than 140,000 Ethiopian households.

The Assela wind farm, located 150 km south of Addis Ababa in the Oromia region, is a prominent example of Ethiopia's renewable energy development. Owned by the state utility Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), the project was fully financed by Denmark. The project’s total investment of €146 million was supported by a €117.3 million loan from Danske Bank and an additional €28.7 million grant, reflecting Denmark’s commitment to building equal partnerships with Ethiopia and Africa. Constructed by the Spanish-German company Siemens Gamesa, the Assela wind farm also exemplifies the European Global Gateway strategy, which utilizes finance and expertise from public and private Team Europe partners to develop smart, clean, and secure energy connections worldwide.

The project supports Ethiopia’s ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and middle-income status by 2030 through a climate-resilient and low-carbon development path. Large-scale renewable energy generation is key to reducing reliance on fossil fuels in transport and industry, as well as on traditional biomass fuels predominantly used by rural households. Wind energy also diversifies Ethiopia’s electricity mix – which currently depends heavily on hydropower –strengthening climate resilience. With the Assela wind farm, Ethiopia moves closer to universal access to modern, affordable energy and to becoming a regional power hub in Eastern Africa, eventually supporting the decarbonisation across the region.

High-level representatives from Ethiopia, Denmark, and the European Union gathered on site to mark this milestone, which also earned praise from the European Commissioner for International Partnerships.

H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation: “The Assela Wind Farm represents a major step in Ethiopia’s shift toward a resilient and diversified energy system. It demonstrates our ability to deliver technically advanced alternative energy solutions through blended finance, strong institutional coordination, and lasting partnerships. Our collaboration with the Kingdom of Denmark has been instrumental in integrating clean energy into the national grid and advancing our economic and climate objectives.”

H.E. Sune Krogstrup, Ambassador of Denmark to Ethiopia: “The Assela Wind Farm showcases the robust partnership between Denmark and Ethiopia. Drawing on Denmark's extensive experience in wind energy and sustainable practices, we are proud to contribute to enhancing Ethiopia's energy system. This collaboration not only advances Ethiopia's renewable energy capacity but also strengthens the bonds between our nations. We look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership, working hand in hand to further develop and transform the Ethiopian energy sector.”

H.E. Sofie From-Emmesberger, Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia: “The Assela wind farm is the first milestone in the implementing the Global Gateway Ethiopia’s energy sector. Congratulations to Denmark, Ethiopia and Siemens for delivering this critical and sustainable infrastructure! Team Europe will continue supporting smart investments that contribute to Ethiopia’s clean energy transition, especially through an extended partnership with Ethiopian Electric Power to modernise and digitalise its electricity grid.”

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, commended Denmark and Ethiopia on this innovative project: “The EU congratulates Team Europe member Denmark in leading the way with this sustainable energy initiative, demonstrating the importance of strong partnerships with our partner countries and the private sector. This is a perfect example of Global Gateway in action.”