GGGI’s program on promoting solar irrigation pumping systems and mini-grids is designed to accelerate the deployment of solar irrigation solutions contributing towards climate-smart agriculture practices. In Ethiopia, energy access has always been an issue hindering economic development. Though some reasonable progress has been made in urban and peri-urban areas, the pace of rural electrification lags substantially behind the national average.
In light of this, the project aims to support Ethiopia to have more climate-resilient rural communities, access to modern energy, a more stable productivity and food supply, clean and energy-efficient alternative to diesel-run irrigation pumps, efficient use of water through landscape rehabilitation, thus contributing to poverty alleviation, green jobs, improved energy access, improved nutrition, and health, as well as reduced GHG emissions.
The project will comprise the following components:
- Climate resilient agriculture enhanced through application of SIPS models
This project component aims at supporting policy framework, delivering technical training and awareness of stakeholders, as well as development of investment models to facilitate financing for scaling up the SIPS solution. In parallel, an aggregated pilot of 2 SIPS systems in 2 sites will be installed (serving an estimated of 25 hectares each) to test (and train beneficiaries) on irrigation, production, and energy nexus options. In addition, an investment project will be developed in a target-SIPS area to link up increased horticulture produce to market value-chains.
- Rural electrification expanded through the deployment of solar mini-grid (SMG) models
The project will conduct eight pre-feasibility studies in selected sites spread across the four regions (Amhara, Oromia, SNNP and Somalia), as part of Government’s prioritized plan to electrify selected off-grid areas within the coming two years. Depending on the results of these appraisals, it will further proceed to up to four feasibility studies for investment mobilization and scaling up deployment of RE-based mini-grid systems for rural electrification. The project also seeks to review existing capacity needs and deliver and/or complement existing capacity development plans around this area.
The project will also benefit from GGGI Global practice programs, as well as the experience and knowledge exchange of similar projects in Indonesia, Guyana and Papua New Guinea (PNG), etc. Synergies will be sought and achieved across Africa, from the SIPS projects implemented in Burkina Faso and Uganda, as well as in Mozambique.
- Enhanced ecosystem services including water
This project component will ensure the protection of mountain areas surrounding selected water bodies through the engagement of the local community organizations to undertake public awareness, training, media campaigns, as well as tree planting activities in the areas surrounding watershed protected zones.