By Senior Editor, China Africa News
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia February 9, 2026 — China and Ethiopia have inaugurated the first phase of the Aysha II Wind Power Plant in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, marking a significant boost in green energy cooperation between the two countries, as reported by Xinhua. Green energy development cooperation between China and Ethiopia is gaining momentum following the recent commissioning of the 80 MW first phase of the wind farm, which is now connected to the national grid. Launched in 2017, the Aysha II project is planned to reach a total capacity of 120 MW with 48 wind turbines, each capable of generating 2.5 MW of electricity when fully complete.
Samson Tadesse, project manager for the Aysha II wind farm, told Xinhua that Chinese companies have become strategic partners for Ethiopia by financing and constructing renewable energy projects and transferring technical expertise to local engineers. He highlighted that Chinese firms are unique in their model of investment, characterized by financing local projects and sharing technical knowledge with domestic experts.
The Dongfang Electric Corporation, the main contractor for the wind farm, introduced advanced turbine technology and designs that significantly upgrade the power-generating capacity compared with earlier wind projects in Ethiopia, such as the Adama I and Adama II wind farms in the Oromia Region.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, speaking at the inauguration attended by regional leaders including the presidents of Djibouti and Somalia, said clean energy development is central to the country’s long-term economic transformation and emphasized the importance of effective cooperation in realizing Ethiopia’s renewable goals. He extended his gratitude to Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), Dongfang Electric Corporation, and the local community for their roles in completing the first phase of the project.
Energy officials noted that the Somali Region’s abundant wind, solar and natural gas resources present further opportunities for renewable projects. Plans are underway to launch additional wind farms nearby with projected capacities of 300 MW and 350 MW, which would further expand Ethiopia’s green energy portfolio and support its transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
The Aysha II Wind Power Plant represents not only a milestone in Ethiopia’s renewable energy development but also illustrates the deepening China-Ethiopia collaboration in clean energy infrastructure, with Chinese firms playing a notable role in financing, building and technically supporting critical power projects in the country.
