Filed to:OnePress

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that his country plans to establish a nuclear power plant with a capacity of 2,400 megawatts, through two units, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, in a move aimed at strengthening the country's energy capabilities and diversifying sources of electricity production.

2 electricity production units

He explained that nuclear technology represents “basic and detailed knowledge” that is not limited to the energy sector, but extends to multiple areas, pointing out that investment in this area extends over 60 to 100 years.

The proposed plant will have two nuclear units, with a capacity of 2,400 megawatts, boosting Ethiopia’s capacity to provide electricity and meet growing demand, he said.

Three sites under evaluation

The Prime Minister said that the implementation of the project requires about ten years of work, pointing out that progress has been made in choosing the appropriate site for the construction of the station, after reducing the list of nominated sites from 30 sites to three, in preparation for the completion of technical assessments and obtaining the necessary credits from the competent international authorities.

Higher cost and stable production

Abiy Ahmed pointed out that the initial cost of investment in nuclear power is relatively higher compared to solar and hydroelectric power, but it is characterized by stable production and continued throughout the year, making it an important source of regular electricity supply.

He pointed out that the target production capacity of the plant exceeds the capacity of the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, in reference to the size of the project that the country intends to implement, taking into account the different nature of production between nuclear power and hydropower.

Cooperation with Russia

In September 2025, the two sides signed a preliminary document for the development of a nuclear power plant project, which included steps to plan the project and determine its technical and economic requirements, as well as developing national capabilities in the nuclear field.

The project is part of Ethiopia’s drive to diversify energy sources and enhance long-term electricity supply security, amid challenges related to construction costs, safety requirements, technical rehabilitation and international oversight.