100% electrification and renewable based Ethiopian power sector development strategies

This study shows an assessment of future electricity supply policies for Ethiopia. This study also examines opportunities to diversify the energy supply-mix in ways that meet the country's goals of sustainable energy system development and improved energy security, using the MARKAL energy system model. National policies, such as universal electrification, zero carbon emissions and export options are integrated in this modeling work to find the least-cost mix of technologies to meet the country's rising demand for energy given rapid socio-economic development. The model allocates renewable energy technologies (RETs) for electricity production, as their potential is relatively high in Ethiopia. Hydro, Solar PV and wind contribute significantly to improve energy security. The cumulative energy supply costs with RETs is not significantly higher than the base case to meet the policy targets. Alternative policy options show higher investment costs in the near term but have long-term benefits in terms of sustainable energy system development and access to modern sources of energy for all.