What is the energy sector in Eritrea?

The energy sector represents a very substantial portion of Eritrea’s national infrastructure development. The recently constructed Hirgigo power plant and grid expansion project that has increased installed electricity generation capacity to 130-200 mega watts at an investment cost of at least $160 million over about five years.

How much electricity does Eritrea have?

It is also working towards raising the share of electricity generation from renewable energy. According to the 2019 World Bank Global Electrification Database, 50.3 percent of Eritreans have access to electricity, with electrification reaching 75.6 percent and 36.6 percent of the urban and rural population, respectively.

What is Eritrea's energy policy?

First and foremost, the sufficient, reliable and sustainable production and supply of affordable energy throughout Eritrea is the main objective of the Government’s policy in the energy sector. The general policy is to provide the energy services based on a diversified supply of energy sources. The specific objectives of this policy are two fold.

Is solar energy a game-changing prospect for Eritrea?

In particular, solar energy is a game-changing prospect for Eritrea. The nation is accelerating and encouraging the domestic development of renewable energy. The Eritrean government is legislating favorable policies on permitting process and providing start-up capital to promote the growth of solar energy.

Can Eritrea use solar energy?

There is no doubt that Eritrea has a very high potential for utilization of solar energy.

Did Eritrea improve its energy capabilities?

Many of the aforementioned developments suggest that Eritrea has improved its energy capabilities. According to government officials, whereas during the initial period of post-independence, the entire power generation within Eritrea was at a feeble 15 mega watts, today it hovers at 200 megawatts.