By: ESI Africa

The solar-powered pump system aims to boost irrigation for farming communities in the region.

It forms part of the Trilateral Cooperation Renewable Energy Project titled  which is funded by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and co-financed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy.

The handover ceremony was organised by the UNDP Ethiopia in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE), the Chinese Embassy, the Sidama National Regional State and its Water Mine and Energy Bureau.

The UNDP explained that the intervention is meant to reduce environmental impact by changing traditional irrigation practices and saving 329.115 tonnes of carbon emissions equivalent per year.

The system enables irrigation for up to 150 hectares of land, achieving annual energy savings of 312,440kWh and reducing electricity costs.

Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa emphasised the importance of acess to energy as a vital driver of overall development of citizens.

“When citizens have access to energy, agriculture can grow, access to drinking water improves, and industrialisation can advance,” he said.

Supporting agriculture system in Ethiopia and expanding off-grid technologies including solar power

President of the Sidama Regional State, Desta Ledamo, pointed out the Sidama region has implemented five energy projects in Hawassa and nearby areas worth 1.3 billion birrs ($10.3 million) over the last five years.

He highlighted the importance of supporting the agriculture system, which he said is the backbone of the country’s economy, through the use of technology.

“The advancement of technologies in the sector is crucial as it aligns with the national government’s initiatives and policies. The Sidama Regional government, in collaboration with local communities, is working towards the country’s goals and ensuring that these efforts contribute to the economic empowerment of every citizen,” he said.

Habtamu indicated that his ministry is focused on expanding off-grid technologies, particularly solar power, to ensure that even those in remote areas and far from the main grid benefit from energy access.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for Programmes Charu Bist said access to affordable, clean, and renewable energy is a key priority for UNDP.

“We also recognise the importance of partnerships, particularly South-South collaboration, as essential tools to support Ethiopia’s goals for green and climate-resilient growth. This Trilateral Cooperation project , , carried out in collaboration with Ethiopia and China, demonstrates the transformative potential of South-South partnerships,” she said.