PMFORUM Breaking News

Reported by Getachew Teklemariam Alemu in Addis Ababa

The biggest solar power project in East Africa, which is being implemented by a German Solar Energy Foundation, is achieving its milestones by installing 2,000 solar systems in/around Rema village in Ethiopia. The project has realized a supply of power to 5,500 residents in the country. Harald Schutziechel, founder and former head of Freiburg, is leading the charity work, with significant support from Good Energies Foundation; an affiliate of New York based renewable energy investor Good Energies.

According to schutziechel, head of the charity work, the interest of the project is not just to install solar systems but rather to train the villagers in installing and maintaining the systems, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the project.

He has also indicated that with a growth in the solar system market in Ethiopia, a partnership with two interested companies is on way to produce the materials in country, and replace the imports, which are being purchased from china.

In addition, the foundation is looking forward to opening 50 solar training centers across the country, comprising classrooms, workshops, and student dormitories. For more on the activities of Good Energies look at www.goodenergies.com

Getachew Teklemariam Alemu International Correspondent Ethiopia Mr. Getachew Teklemariam Aleum is an International Correspondent for PMForum and PM World Today based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mr. Alemu is also an Infrastructure Projects Expert in the Development Projects Department of the NBI-WRPMP invites interested firms and joint ventures to provide project planning and management training Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, government of Ethiopia. This department is responsible for studying and controlling the project planning and management system at the federal level in the country. Getachew is responsible for monitoring, appraising and reporting on public sector infrastructure projects financed by the Ethiopian government or bilateral and multilateral donors. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection from Mekelle University in Ethiopia. He has also been educated in marco economic development, infrastructure development in developing countries, national economic development and project management. More information about Getachew Teklemariam can be found at Getachew Alemu named International Correspondent for PMForum in Ethiopia; Getachew can be contacted at getdem2006@yahoo.com.