Koysha Hydroelectric Project, Ethiopia

Ethiopia, one of Africa's most populous countries and a rapidly growing economy, faces severe energy shortages. Despite significant economic growth in recent years, according to research conducted by AIMS Press, less than half of the population has access to electricity, with a stark disparity between urban and rural areas. In this context, the new Koysha hydroelectric project, located in the southwest of the country, is of crucial importance. This plant, the fourth in a series of cascading dams on the Omo River, will follow the Gilgel Gibe I, Gilgel Gibe II, and Gibe III projects. With an installed capacity of 2,160 MW and an annual production of 6,460 GWh, the project will significantly contribute to Ethiopia's energy capacity.

The Koysha dam, 170 meters high and 1 kilometer long, will have a reservoir volume of 8 billion m³. The associated works will include an open-air power plant with 8 Francis turbines of 270 MW each, a concrete spillway, and infrastructure for diverting the river during construction. Additionally, the project includes the construction of access roads, a new bridge over the Omo River, and a 400 kV transmission line connecting Koysha to Gibe III.

Hydroelectric energy is a clean and sustainable source, helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In a country like Ethiopia, where natural resources are abundant but not always optimally utilized, the development of hydroelectric projects represents a strategic solution to address energy shortages and promote sustainable economic development.

Thanks to the Gibe III plant and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, Ethiopia is establishing itself as a leader in renewable energy production in Africa. These projects not only increase the supply of electricity but also represent a significant step towards energy self-sufficiency and sustainable economic development for the country.