By the end of 2025, when all 29 turbines are fully operational, the wind farm will generate over 300 GWh of clean and sustainable energy annually – enough to meet the electricity needs of more than 140,000 Ethiopian households.

Located 150km south of Addis Ababa in the Oromia region, the Assela wind farm is owned by the state utility Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP). Fully financed by Denmark through a grant from IFU’s Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF) and a loan from Danske Bank, this flagship project exemplifies Denmark’s ambition to build equal partnerships with Ethiopia and Africa. Constructed by the Spanish-German company Siemens Gamesa, the project also illustrates the European Global Gateway strategy, which leverages finance and expertise from public and private Team Europe partners to build smart, clean and secure energy connections worldwide.

The project supports Ethiopia’s ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and middle-income status by 2030 through a climate-resilient and low-carbon development path. Large-scale renewable energy generation is key to reducing reliance on fossil fuels in transport and industry, as well as on traditional biomass fuels predominantly used by rural households. Wind energy also diversifies Ethiopia’s electricity mix – which currently depends heavily on hydropower – strengthening climate resilience. With the Assela wind farm, Ethiopia moves closer to universal access to modern, affordable energy and to becoming a regional power hub in Eastern Africa, eventually supporting the decarbonisation across the region. 

High-level representatives from Ethiopia, Denmark, and the European Union gathered on site to mark this milestone, which also earned praise from the European Commissioner for International Partnerships.

H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation: “The Assela Wind Farm represents a major step in Ethiopia’s shift toward a resilient and diversified energy system. It demonstrates our ability to deliver technically advanced alternative energy solutions through blended finance, strong institutional coordination, and lasting partnerships. Our collaboration with the Kingdom of Denmark has been instrumental in integrating clean energy into the national grid and advancing our economic and climate objectives.”

H.E. Sune Krogstrup, Ambassador of Denmark to Ethiopia: “The Assela Wind Farm showcases the robust partnership between Denmark and Ethiopia. Drawing on Denmark's extensive experience in wind energy and sustainable practices, we are proud to contribute to enhancing Ethiopia's energy system. This collaboration not only advances Ethiopia's renewable energy capacity but also strengthens the bonds between our nations and is a great illustration of the Global Gateway led by the European Union and its Member States. We look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership, working hand in hand to further develop and transform the Ethiopian energy sector.”

H.E. Sofie From-Emmesberger, Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia: “The Assela wind farm is the first milestone in implementing Global Gateway in Ethiopia’s energy sector. Congratulations to Denmark, Ethiopia and Siemens for delivering this critical and sustainable infrastructure! Team Europe will continue supporting smart investments that contribute to Ethiopia’s clean energy transition, especially through an extended partnership with Ethiopian Electric Power to modernise and digitalise its electricity grid.”

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela: "I want to congratulate our Team Europe member Denmark in leading the way with this green energy partnership, demonstrating the importance of solid cooperation with our partner countries and the private sector. This is a perfect example of Global Gateway in action: Transformative investments in strategic sectors as energy to unlock potential growth and boost job creation. The Assela windfarm will not only improve the daily lives of people in Ethiopia, it will upscale local businesses and create new opportunities for communities. It also creates new links between Europe and Ethiopia, with European companies at the heart of its construction. A true win-win cooperation. And that is what Global Gateway is about.”

About Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance

Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF) is the primary Danish aid delivery mechanism for large scale infrastructure projects in developing countries. DSIF is a central part of the official development cooperation funded by Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Danida) and is administered by the Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU).

About Global Gateway

Global Gateway is the European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research worldwide. Through a 'Team Europe approach', it brings together the EU, its Member States and their financial and development institutions to mobilise private sector investments for sustainable growth. Between 2021 and 2027, Team Europe aims to mobilise up to €300 billion of investments for sustainable, transformational and high-quality projects that ensure lasting benefits for partner countries and local communities. 

About Siemens Gamesa

Siemens Gamesa is among the global leaders in the wind power industry, with a strong presence in all facets of the renewable energy business: offshore, onshore, and services. With more than 107 GW installed worldwide, Siemens Gamesa is an ideal partner for Ethiopia at this critical juncture in the East African nation’s accelerating energy journey.