Keywords
Mitigation Approaches, Energy Sector, Sustainable Development, Climate Resilience, Ethiopia,
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The global energy sector is a primary contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, predominantly through fossil fuel combustion for electricity, heating, and transportation (IEA, 2021). This study systematically reviews Ethiopia’s energy sector mitigation approaches, focusing on renewable energy strategies and energy efficiency initiatives. While Ethiopia has made significant progress in hydropower, accounting for over 90% of its electricity generation, challenges remain in diversifying its energy mix to include geothermal and wind energy (Ethiopian Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Energy (2019) and African Development Bank, 2020). The Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy sets ambitious targets for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, challenges remain in diversifying its energy mix to include geothermal and wind energy (Benti, Woldegiyorgis, et al., 2023 and Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 2011), yet its implementation faces barriers, including financial constraints, technological gaps, and weak institutional capacity (Silitonga et al., 2020). The study highlights the potential of Ethiopia’s vast renewable energy resources, such as geothermal and wind, to enhance energy security and foster economic growth through job creation. Despite the hurdles, opportunities exist for scaling up mitigation efforts, particularly through public-private partnerships and improved policy frameworks. This review underscores the importance of addressing barriers to achieve a sustainable energy transition in Ethiopia, contributing to local and global climate mitigation goals. Thus, the policymakers should boost investments in solar, wind, and geothermal energy, reduce reliance on hydropower through incentives, and establish an inter-agency task force for policy alignment. And also, exploring green bonds and fostering human capital development through training and partnerships are essential. A strong monitoring and evaluation framework is crucial for tracking progress towards energy sustainability goals.
Mitigation Approaches, Energy Sector, Sustainable Development, Climate Resilience, Ethiopia,
The global energy sector is a dominant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing approximately 73% of total global emissions, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation (IEA, 2021). This reliance on fossil fuels exacerbates global warming, necessitating urgent action to mitigate emissions from the energy sector. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, underscores the need for all countries to implement strategies aimed at limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels (UNFCCC, 2015b). To achieve this, countries must transition to low-carbon technologies, enhance energy efficiency, and promote renewable energy sources (Lo & Castán Broto, 2019). Understanding direct and indirect energy use is key to crafting effective policies that reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, fostering household energy efficiency and sustainability (Andrews-Speed and Zhang, 2019). From global climate initiatives to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects, highlighting key challenges and opportunities for attracting investments (Negash et al., 2021).
At the regional level, Africa’s energy sector faces a dual challenge: expanding energy access to underserved populations while reducing GHG emissions. The continent is home to vast untapped renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydropower, which hold the potential to drive sustainable development and mitigate climate change (IRENA, 2020). Despite these resources, Africa’s energy infrastructure remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly in North Africa and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (Lahnaoui et al., 2024). While Africa contributes only about 4% of global GHG emissions, it remains disproportionately vulnerable to climate change impacts, underscoring the need for robust energy sector mitigation strategies (IPCC, 2022). In Africa, focusing on challenges like limited access, financial constraints, and policy gaps. They propose solutions such as regional cooperation, increased investments, and technology transfer to enhance energy access and sustainability (Karekezi & Kithyoma, 2021).
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the energy mix is dominated by traditional biomass, with nearly 80% of households relying on wood, charcoal, and other forms of biomass for cooking (Hoffmann et al., 2015). This heavy dependence on biomass fuels has contributed to deforestation and indoor air pollution, posing significant health and environmental challenges (World Bank, 2022). However, several countries are making efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. For instance, Kenya has made notable advancements in geothermal energy development, and South Africa has been scaling up its solar and wind energy capacities (Takase et al., 2021). Despite these positive developments, the region faces challenges related to financing, policy implementation, and infrastructure constraints, which continue to slow down the transition to renewable energy (IRENA, 2021). The potential of renewable technologies like solar, wind, and biomass to improve energy access in remote areas, emphasizing the need for supportive policies, financing models, and community involvement for successful implementation (Kammen and Kirubi, 2021).
In East Africa, the potential for renewable energy is considerable, particularly in geothermal energy in Kenya and Ethiopia, and hydropower in Uganda and Tanzania (AfDB, 2020). Ethiopia, for example, holds significant geothermal reserves, which, if fully developed, could reduce the country’s reliance on hydropower and provide a more reliable energy source (Benti, Woldegiyorgis, et al., 2023b) However, the adoption of renewable energy in the region remains limited due to high initial capital costs, lack of technical expertise, and weak institutional frameworks. Efforts are underway to address these gaps through public-private partnerships and revisions to national energy policies aimed at encouraging clean energy investments (AfDB, 2020). Countries with significant geothermal potential, like Kenya, are increasingly shifting to renewable energy sources, driven by the economic and environmental benefits of geothermal energy for sustainable development (Ondraczek, 2021).
Ethiopia is a notable case, as the country has set ambitious targets under its Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy, which was launched in 2011. The CRGE aims to achieve middle-income status by 2025 while keeping GHG emissions low (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 2011). Ethiopia’s energy sector has made significant progress in hydropower, which accounts for over 90% of its electricity generation (Tiruye et al., 2021). Additionally, the country is actively exploring other renewable energy sources, such as wind and geothermal, to diversify its energy portfolio (Benti, Woldegiyorgis, et al., 2023b). However, challenges remain, particularly in extending access to clean energy in rural areas, integrating renewable sources into the national grid, and securing sufficient financing for large-scale renewable projects (World Bank, 2022). Overcoming these obstacles will be crucial for Ethiopia to meet its national climate targets and ensure energy security in the coming decades.
To systematically review and assess the mitigation approaches in Ethiopia’s energy sector, focusing on strategies that promote sustainable development, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance climate resilience.
1. Evaluate existing mitigation strategies effectiveness employed in Ethiopia’s energy sector, including renewable energy projects, energy efficiency initiatives, and policy frameworks.
2. Assess the environmental and economic impacts of the implemented mitigation approaches, particularly in terms of emission reductions, energy security, and job creation.
3. Identify barriers and challenges faced in the implementation of energy sector mitigation strategies, including technological, financial, and institutional obstacles.
4. Evaluate the impact of current policies on the success of mitigation approaches and recommend policy enhancements.
5. Identify potential areas for improvement and future opportunities for scaling successful mitigation approaches in the Ethiopian energy sector.
6. Provide recommendations for strengthening Ethiopia’s energy sector mitigation efforts, with a focus on scalability, financing mechanisms, and integration with national climate change goals.
This systematic review has follow the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to ensure a comprehensive, transparent, and standardized approach to the identification, selection, and synthesis of relevant studies on mitigation approaches in Ethiopia’s energy sector. The review has involve four key stages: identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion.
A systematic search of relevant literature has been conducted across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and JSTOR, to identify peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and significant grey literature. The search strategy has been developed using specific keywords such as Ethiopia energy sector mitigation, renewable energy Ethiopia, energy efficiency Ethiopia, and policy frameworks in the energy sector. No date restrictions will be applied, though the focus has on literature from 2010 onward to capture current mitigation strategies.
Titles and abstracts of studies has been reviewed, and those not meeting predefined inclusion criteria will be excluded. The inclusion criteria has focus on studies that examine mitigation approaches in Ethiopia’s energy sector, assess renewable energy or energy efficiency strategies, and discuss policy frameworks or financial mechanisms. The review has include peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and relevant grey literature. Excluded studies has include non-peer-reviewed sources (except significant grey literature) and those not directly addressing the energy sector in Ethiopia.
Full texts of the remaining studies has then be thoroughly reviewed to assess their eligibility based on detailed criteria. Eligible studies has been those that contain original data on mitigation strategies, provide quantitative or qualitative evaluations of these approaches, discuss barriers and facilitators to implementation, or include case studies with regional or national relevance to energy mitigation in Ethiopia.
The final synthesis has group studies into key thematic areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, policy frameworks, and financial mechanisms. Data from each study have been extracted and organized, interpret and discussed into a structured way, capturing essential information such as study objectives, mitigation approaches, effectiveness, barriers, and future opportunities. A standardized data extraction form have been used to ensure consistency across all studies. The extracted data has include study design, location, mitigation strategies employed, outcomes assessed, and policy recommendations.
The findings have been synthesized using a narrative approach, focusing on key trends, implementation barriers, facilitators, and future opportunities. Where possible, quantitative results has been summarized and compared across studies to highlight the effectiveness of mitigation approaches and their alignment with Ethiopia’s national and international energy policies. For a concise summary of the method, refer to the systematic review flowchart in Table 1 and the checklist in Table 2. These tables provide a structured overview of the review process, detailing each step from the initial literature search to data extraction and synthesis. The flowchart ( Table 1) visualizes the process, highlighting key stages like study identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and inclusion criteria. Meanwhile, the checklist ( Table 2) ensures a comprehensive review, covering essential criteria such as study selection, data management, quality assessment, and reporting standards.
Renewable energy
Renewable energy projects
Ethiopia has made significant strides in harnessing renewable energy, particularly through hydropower, which accounts for over 90% of the country’s electricity generation (IRENA, 2021). The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), with an expected capacity of over 6,000 MW, stands as the flagship project aimed at providing clean energy domestically and for export to neighboring countries (World Bank, 2022). GERD’s completion is projected to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy access in Ethiopia and the region.
Despite the success in hydropower, Ethiopia faces challenges in diversifying its renewable energy portfolio. Geothermal energy remains largely underutilized, with only a few projects like the Aluto-Langano Geothermal Power Plant, which has a capacity of 7.3 MW (African Development Bank, 2020). Wind energy also holds potential, demonstrated by the Ashegoda Wind Farm with a 120 MW capacity, though more investments are needed in this area to balance the dependence on hydropower, especially given the vulnerability of hydropower to climate variability (IRENA, 2020). Renewable energy potential, emphasizing hydropower, wind, solar, and geothermal resources, while identifying challenges like infrastructure gaps, financial constraints, and policy issues. The study highlights the need for investments and strong policies to harness these resources effectively (Hailemariam, 2020).
Effectiveness: Ethiopia’s renewable energy projects have proven effective in expanding electricity access, with a goal of achieving universal electrification by 2025. However, the heavy reliance on hydropower, combined with the underdevelopment of geothermal and wind resources, presents a challenge in ensuring energy security, especially under changing climate conditions.
Energy efficiency is a critical component of Ethiopia’s mitigation strategy, though its implementation has lagged behind renewable energy projects. The National Energy Efficiency Program focuses on improving energy use in industries, transport, and households (Ethiopian Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Energy, 2019). Initiatives like the distribution of efficient cookstoves have been promoted to reduce biomass use, which accounts for over 85% of total energy consumption in Ethiopia, and to curb indoor air pollution (World Bank, 2022).
The Improved Biomass Cookstoves Program, for example, has aimed to distribute 9 million cookstoves by 2030, focusing on rural areas where reliance on traditional fuels is highest (Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, 2019). These cookstoves are designed to reduce fuel consumption by 30–50%, decreasing deforestation and lowering GHG emissions. However, adoption rates have been slower than anticipated due to affordability issues and a lack of awareness about the benefits of the technology (SNV, 2021).
In the industrial sector, Ethiopia has introduced energy audits and incentives for energy-efficient technologies, especially in the cement and textile industries, which are among the highest energy consumers (Mondal et al., 2018) widespread implementation of energy efficiency measures remains constrained by a lack of technical capacity and financing. Strategies to improve energy efficiency in Ethiopia’s industrial sector. It emphasizes the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, capacity building, and policy frameworks to reduce energy consumption, lower production costs, and enhance sustainability in industrial operations ( GIZ, 2020).
Effectiveness: The energy efficiency initiatives, particularly in the household and industrial sectors, show promise but have been hampered by low adoption rates and insufficient financial support. There is significant potential for improving energy efficiency across the economy, but the programs need scaling up and more robust enforcement mechanisms to maximize their impact.
Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy, launched in 2011, is the cornerstone of the country’s policy framework for climate mitigation. The CRGE envisions a carbon-neutral economy by 2030, with energy sector decarbonization at its heart (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 2011). This strategy outlines the expansion of renewable energy, the promotion of energy efficiency, and the establishment of a green economy.
Ethiopia has also developed the National Electrification Program 2.0 (NEP 2.0), which aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2025, with 35% of this target to be met through off-grid renewable energy solutions (World Bank, 2022). This aligns with Ethiopia’s focus on rural electrification, where over 50 million people currently lack access to modern energy services. The promotion of mini-grids and solar home systems in off-grid areas has been a key component of NEP 2.0 (USAID, 2021).
In addition to national strategies, Ethiopia is a signatory to international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement. The country has committed to reducing GHG emissions by 64% below the business-as-usual scenario by 2030, with a significant portion of these reductions expected to come from the energy sector (UNFCCC, 2015b).
However, the implementation of these policies faces several challenges. Limited financial resources, institutional capacity gaps, and external factors such as political instability and climate shocks have hindered the full realization of these strategies (World Resources Institute, 2020).
Effectiveness: Ethiopia’s policy frameworks, particularly the CRGE and NEP 2.0, are ambitious and well-structured, aligning with global climate goals. However, their effectiveness has been constrained by challenges in implementation, including resource limitations, technical expertise, and institutional capacity.
Emission reductions
Ethiopia has made significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through its focus on renewable energy, primarily hydropower. The country’s Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy, launched in 2011, sets ambitious goals to limit emissions while fostering economic growth. Hydropower, which accounts for over 90% of Ethiopia’s electricity generation, has played a key role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thus mitigating carbon emissions (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 2011). The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), once fully operational, is expected to further reduce emissions by displacing the need for thermal power plants and cutting GHG emissions by approximately 10.9 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually (World Bank, 2022). Ethiopia’s commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on renewable energy expansion, reforestation, and sustainable agriculture. It also highlights the country’s adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change, aiming for a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy by 2030 (UNFCCC, 2015a).
Moreover, Ethiopia’s investment in wind and geothermal energy, such as the Ashegoda Wind Farm and the Aluto Langano Geothermal Project, contributes to emission reductions by replacing fossil fuel-based power generation. These renewable projects are aligned with Ethiopia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement targets and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which aim to reduce GHG emissions by 64% from business-as-usual levels by 2030 (UNFCCC, 2015b).
Energy security
Ethiopia’s focus on renewable energy has improved its energy security, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. The expansion of hydropower capacity, particularly with the GERD, positions Ethiopia as a regional leader in clean energy. The dam has the potential to generate over 6,450 megawatts (MW) of electricity, making Ethiopia one of the largest energy producers in Africa (African Development Bank, 2020). This enhanced energy generation capacity not only meets domestic demand but also allows Ethiopia to export electricity to neighboring countries, such as Sudan and Djibouti, which strengthens regional energy security (IRENA, 2020).
However, the over-reliance on hydropower also poses risks due to climate variability, particularly droughts, which can affect water availability and, subsequently, energy production. Ethiopia is working to diversify its renewable energy mix by developing wind, solar, and geothermal projects to reduce this vulnerability and ensure a stable energy supply (USAID, 2021). Additionally, grid expansion and rural electrification efforts are improving energy access, contributing to long-term energy security by connecting more of the population to clean energy sources.
Job creation
The shift towards renewable energy in Ethiopia has created new economic opportunities, particularly in job creation. The construction of the GERD alone employed over 12,000 workers during its peak, providing both direct and indirect jobs in the energy sector (World Bank, 2022). Furthermore, renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar farms, generate employment opportunities in construction, maintenance, and operation. For instance, the Ashegoda Wind Farm created several hundred jobs during its construction phase, and ongoing operations continue to require a skilled workforce (IRENA, 2021).
Additionally, Ethiopia’s efforts in rural electrification, particularly through off-grid solar solutions, have fostered small-scale employment opportunities in remote areas. Solar companies, often in collaboration with international partners, are training local technicians and entrepreneurs to install, maintain, and distribute solar systems, contributing to economic growth in underserved regions (USAID, 2021). As Ethiopia continues to scale its renewable energy sector, the potential for job creation is expected to rise, with projections of tens of thousands of new jobs across the green economy by 2030 (World Bank, 2022).
Technological challenges
Ethiopia faces significant challenges in terms of local expertise and infrastructure to fully harness advanced renewable energy technologies, such as wind and geothermal. The limited availability of technical skills for the installation, operation, and maintenance of energy systems has slowed the deployment of renewable energy projects (Mulugetta et al., 2021). Moreover, the technological gap in energy storage and grid integration is a major bottleneck in utilizing intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind (Tiruye et al., 2021).
The country’s energy infrastructure, especially in terms of grid expansion and integration, is underdeveloped. This restricts the capacity to connect rural areas to the national grid and integrate new renewable energy projects efficiently (Tesfay et al., 2024). The aging infrastructure also leads to frequent power outages, reducing the reliability of energy services (Fentahun, 2022).
Financial challenges
The countries to submit and update Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and to enhance financial support for climate action in developing countries (UNFCCC, 2015b). Despite the Ethiopian government’s commitment to renewable energy, the financing needed for large-scale projects remains a significant hurdle. Many renewable energy initiatives require high upfront capital costs, which are difficult to meet due to limited domestic financial resources and underdeveloped financial markets (Benti, Mekonnen, et al., 2023a). International financing is also constrained by high-risk perceptions of investing in Ethiopia, especially related to political instability and bureaucratic delays (Teferra, 2022).
Although Ethiopia is eligible for various global climate funds, the actual access to these resources remains limited due to insufficient institutional capacity to meet the stringent reporting and monitoring requirements associated with international climate finance (Kassaye & Bekele, 2021). Inadequate national coordination and project documentation often hinder Ethiopia from effectively mobilizing funds from mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund (Bhandary, 2024).
Institutional challenges
Institutional challenges in Ethiopia’s energy sector are largely related to weak governance and coordination among key stakeholders. Regulatory bodies often lack the technical expertise and resources needed to effectively implement and monitor renewable energy policies (Mengistu et al., 2020). Furthermore, there is a lack of coordination between various ministries and agencies, resulting in fragmented policy implementation (Admasu, 2020). While Ethiopia has introduced policies like the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy and the National Electrification Program (NEP), enforcement and implementation remain inconsistent. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and delays in the approval of energy projects, as well as inconsistencies in tariff setting and power purchase agreements, have created an unstable environment for investors (Ayele, 2021). This is compounded by regulatory uncertainties in land use, which delay renewable energy project development (Demissie, 2021). High initial costs and infrastructure needs, while emphasizing the prospects for geothermal energy as a key source of sustainable power in Ethiopia (Kebede, 2021).
Policy implications in Ethiopia’s energy sector
Ethiopia’s policy framework has played a significant role in shaping its energy transition, with several ambitious strategies focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increasing renewable energy production. The Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy, launched in 2011, remains the cornerstone of Ethiopia’s climate mitigation policy. The CRGE envisions a carbon-neutral economy by 2030, with the energy sector contributing significantly through renewable energy investments and energy efficiency programs (FDRE, 2011). The success of this strategy has been evident in Ethiopia’s increased hydropower capacity, which now accounts for over 90% of its electricity generation (Guta & Börner, 2017). However, despite the progress, several gaps exist in the implementation of these policies. One challenge is the limited integration of renewable energy sources beyond hydropower, such as wind and solar energy, which are crucial for diversifying Ethiopia’s energy mix. The National Electrification Program (NEP) 2.0, updated in 2019, aims to address this by promoting off-grid solar solutions, particularly for rural electrification, but its implementation has been hindered by financing and infrastructure constraints (World Bank, 2022).
Moreover, while Ethiopia has made strides in policy formulation, institutional capacity and coordination remain key obstacles. The fragmented governance structures across different ministries and agencies often lead to inefficiencies in policy implementation. The Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Energy (MoWIE), which oversees energy policies, frequently encounters challenges in aligning its actions with those of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and regional governments (Teklu, 2018). Enhancing inter-ministerial coordination is critical to ensure the successful implementation of energy sector mitigation strategies.
Furthermore, financial constraints continue to hamper Ethiopia’s ability to scale up its renewable energy projects. While the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other international financial institutions have pledged support, domestic investment in renewable energy remains low. According to a study by (Benti, Mekonnen, et al., 2023a), Ethiopia’s renewable energy financing gap stands at several billion dollars, limiting the pace at which the country can achieve its CRGE targets. To bridge this gap, Ethiopia must attract more private-sector investments and strengthen public-private partnerships (PPPs) to finance large-scale renewable projects.
Future opportunities for scaling mitigation approaches in Ethiopia’s energy sector
Ethiopia has made significant strides in renewable energy, particularly in hydropower, which accounts for over 90% of the country’s electricity generation (Hailu and Kumsa, 2021). However, there is untapped potential in solar and wind energy. Studies suggest that Ethiopia has high solar irradiance and wind speeds, particularly in the Rift Valley region, which could be harnessed to diversify its energy mix and enhance energy security (Gebreslassie et al., 2024). Future opportunities lie in scaling up investment in these renewable sources, potentially through public-private partnerships.
Ethiopia’s geothermal potential, particularly in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, remains largely underdeveloped. The Aluto-Langano geothermal field has demonstrated success, but scaling geothermal energy projects can provide a steady and reliable renewable energy source, reducing reliance on hydropower, which is vulnerable to climate variability (Tesfaye et al., 2020). Further exploration and investment in geothermal power plants could contribute to Ethiopia’s energy mix and bolster resilience to climate change.
One of the most cost-effective mitigation strategies is improving energy efficiency in industrial, residential, and transportation sectors. According to a study by (Wondie et al., 2024), energy losses during transmission and distribution, as well as inefficient energy use in industries, contribute significantly to GHG emissions in Ethiopia. There is an opportunity to adopt energy-efficient technologies and implement policies that incentivize industries and households to reduce energy consumption.
Although Ethiopia has made progress in developing policies such as the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy, there are gaps in implementation and enforcement (Yalew, 2022). Future opportunities lie in strengthening the regulatory framework, improving institutional coordination, and ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Streamlining climate and energy policies to align with national development goals can enhance the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
Ethiopia can capitalize on international climate financing mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), to fund large-scale renewable energy projects and grid expansion (Mulatu, A. B., et al., 2023). Additionally, technology transfer from developed countries could accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies. Future opportunities lie in creating favorable conditions for foreign direct investment (FDI) and enhancing collaborations with international organizations to secure the financial and technological resources needed to scale successful mitigation approaches.
Ethiopia has made considerable progress in developing renewable energy projects, particularly through large hydropower dams like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). However, the over-reliance on hydropower presents a significant vulnerability, as climate variability, such as droughts, can drastically reduce water availability and affect energy production. This reliance has also slowed the diversification into other renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal, which face additional technical, financial, and institutional barriers. Investment in non-hydropower renewables remains low, partly due to insufficient technological expertise and limited financial resources.
Ethiopia’s push towards energy efficiency has the potential to significantly reduce energy waste, especially in industrial and residential sectors. Nonetheless, the adoption of energy-efficient technologies is limited by high upfront costs and a lack of public awareness, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, the country faces challenges in implementing energy audits and monitoring systems due to a shortage of skilled professionals. This limits the scale and impact of energy efficiency initiatives, and their sustainability is also uncertain, as they rely heavily on international funding, which may not be consistent in the long term.
Ethiopia has introduced comprehensive policy frameworks such as the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy and the National Electrification Program (NEP 2.0) to guide its energy transition. However, the implementation of these policies has been hampered by weak institutional capacities and financial constraints. The lack of strong enforcement mechanisms, combined with coordination challenges among different governmental bodies, limits the effectiveness of these policies. Political instability and external economic pressures further exacerbate these issues, posing additional hurdles to the long-term success of Ethiopia’s energy policies.
Ethiopia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by focusing on renewable energy sources like hydropower. However, the reliance on hydropower leaves the country vulnerable to climate-induced risks, such as droughts, which can undermine its emission reduction efforts. While geothermal and wind projects are being explored, their contribution to the overall energy mix is still minimal due to slow technological and financial progress. This delay in scaling alternative renewables limits Ethiopia’s ability to meet its ambitious emission reduction targets within the desired timeframe.
Ethiopia’s energy security has improved due to its increasing energy generation capacity, mainly through hydropower projects. However, the lack of diversification in the energy mix leaves the country exposed to climate risks like droughts that can significantly reduce hydropower output. Furthermore, the country’s underdeveloped grid infrastructure limits electricity access, particularly in rural areas, making energy security a challenge. Ethiopia’s plans to export energy to neighboring countries could also be affected by geopolitical tensions, further complicating the energy security outlook.
The expansion of renewable energy projects, such as the construction of the GERD, has created employment opportunities, particularly in the construction phase. However, these job opportunities are not uniformly distributed, with rural areas, where unemployment is high, receiving less benefit. Moreover, the long-term employment prospects in the renewable energy sector are limited by a lack of local technical expertise. This shortage hampers the development of sustainable job markets in the operation and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure, restricting overall employment growth in the energy sector.
Ethiopia’s renewable energy sector faces several technological challenges, particularly regarding the implementation and maintenance of wind, geothermal, and solar energy systems. The country lacks the necessary technical capacity for large-scale deployment of these technologies, and the grid infrastructure is not yet developed enough to integrate intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar efficiently. Additionally, the lack of energy storage technologies hinders the management of variable energy generation, further limiting the scalability of renewable energy projects.
One of the major barriers to scaling up renewable energy in Ethiopia is the limited availability of domestic financing. While Ethiopia is eligible for international climate finance, bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of institutional capacity slow access to these funds. Additionally, the perceived investment risks, coupled with political instability, deter private-sector investments in the energy sector. Without increased and consistent financial support, the expansion of renewable energy projects and the associated infrastructure will continue to face delays.
Institutional challenges play a critical role in the slow progress of Ethiopia’s renewable energy development. Weak coordination among government agencies, as well as inconsistent policies around land use, tariffs, and power purchase agreements, create uncertainties for investors. Furthermore, the lack of technical expertise within regulatory bodies limits the enforcement of energy policies and hinders the effective monitoring of ongoing projects. These governance issues, coupled with bureaucratic delays, impede the timely implementation of energy projects, limiting Ethiopia’s ability to achieve its energy targets.
Ethiopia’s potential to scale its renewable energy projects, particularly in solar, wind, and geothermal energy, presents significant opportunities for further reducing emissions and enhancing energy security. However, financial and technological limitations continue to be major barriers. The country’s reliance on international investment and funding makes it vulnerable to economic and political changes on a global scale. Additionally, the lack of adequate grid infrastructure and energy storage solutions poses a challenge to integrating renewable energy at scale, slowing the realization of Ethiopia’s long-term energy goals.
Ethiopia’s commitment to renewable energy, particularly through hydropower, positions the country as a leader in clean energy generation in Africa. Significant projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) illustrate the nation’s potential to enhance energy access and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, despite the progress made, challenges such as over-reliance on hydropower, underutilization of geothermal and wind resources, and obstacles in energy efficiency initiatives remain critical barriers to achieving energy security and sustainability. Effective implementation of policy frameworks, including the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy and the National Electrification Program 2.0 (NEP 2.0), is essential for overcoming these challenges.
To realize its ambitious goals, Ethiopia must address the gaps in its energy sector through diversification, improved institutional coordination, enhanced financial access, capacity building, and robust policy evaluation mechanisms. As the nation strives toward a carbon-neutral economy by 2030, it is imperative to leverage its vast renewable energy resources while ensuring equitable energy access for all citizens.
1. Increase investments in solar, wind, and geothermal energy to reduce dependence on hydropower. Policymakers should provide greater incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies, to attract private investments into these sectors. 2. Establish a dedicated inter-agency task force to streamline policy implementation across different sectors, ensuring alignment of energy goals with environmental, economic, and social policies. 3. Explore innovative financing mechanisms like green bonds and blended finance to mobilize funds for renewable energy projects. Creating a conducive environment for private investment, including clear regulatory frameworks and guarantees, is crucial. 4. Focus on human capital development and technical capacity in the energy sector by expanding training programs for renewable energy professionals and promoting partnerships with international organizations. 5. Develop a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for energy sector policies to track progress towards mitigation goals. Regular assessments should guide adjustments to strategies based on performance metrics.
The author affirm that the study titled “Systematic Review of Mitigation Approaches in Ethiopia’s Energy Sector: Strategies for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience" complies with ethical standards. The review relied solely on publicly available data from peer-reviewed sources, with no direct involvement of human or animal subjects. No conflicts of interest exist, and all funding sources, if applicable, are disclosed.
Writing, formal analysis, investigation, presentation, interpretation, conceptualization, visualization, supervision methodology, validation and review: T.R. I author have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
The author, declare that the manuscript titled “Systematic Review of Mitigation Approaches in Ethiopia’s Energy Sector: Strategies for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience” is original, has not been previously published, and is not under consideration elsewhere. There are no conflicts of interest, and all funding sources have been disclosed.
A comprehensive literature search was systematically conducted across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and JSTOR, to identify peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and key grey literature.
Open Science Framework (OSF): Systematic Review of Mitigation Approaches in Ethiopia’s Energy Sector: Strategies for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6SNQT (Indris, 2024).
This project contains the following underlying data:
• TR reference infromation.pdf (https://osf.io/9h37u)
Data are available under the terms of the Creative Commons Zero (CC0 1.0 Universal).
This dataset is freely available for unrestricted access and use, as outlined in the license terms.
Reporting guidelines
Open Science Framework (OSF): PRISMA checklist and flow chart for “Systematic Review of Mitigation Approaches in Ethiopia’s Energy Sector: Strategies for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience” https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6SNQT (Indris, 2024).
Data are available under the terms of the Creative Commons Zero (CC0 1.0 Universal).
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Are the rationale for, and objectives of, the Systematic Review clearly stated?
Partly
Are sufficient details of the methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others?
No
Is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate?
Not applicable
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results presented in the review?
Partly
If this is a Living Systematic Review, is the ‘living’ method appropriate and is the search schedule clearly defined and justified? (‘Living Systematic Review’ or a variation of this term should be included in the title.)
No
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
Reviewer Expertise: process design, energy, kinetics, modelling
Are the rationale for, and objectives of, the Systematic Review clearly stated?
Partly
Are sufficient details of the methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others?
Partly
Is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate?
Not applicable
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results presented in the review?
Yes
If this is a Living Systematic Review, is the ‘living’ method appropriate and is the search schedule clearly defined and justified? (‘Living Systematic Review’ or a variation of this term should be included in the title.)
Not applicable
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
Reviewer Expertise: n/a
Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article:
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Version 1 18 Nov 24 |
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Provide sufficient details of any financial or non-financial competing interests to enable users to assess whether your comments might lead a reasonable person to question your impartiality. Consider the following examples, but note that this is not an exhaustive list:
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