Terra Global Energy Developers LLC, the first US wind energy developer to enter Ethiopia’s growing wind energy sector, today announced the launch of a 400 MW wind energy project in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia. San Francisco, CA and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PRWEB) February 14, 2013  Terra Global Energy Developers, LLC (Terra), the first US wind energy developer to enter Ethiopia’s growing wind energy sector, today announced the launch of a 400 MW wind energy project in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia. Located approximately 75 miles north of the capital Addis Ababa, the project is being developed on a build-and-transfer basis for the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo), the national utility company. Construction of the project is planned to begin in 2014. “We are very pleased to have launched this project for the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation, especially as the first US developer to enter Ethiopia’s growing wind sector,” said Dereje Abebe, CEO of Terra. “The Debre Birhan Wind Project will create jobs, increase electrification, and help power economic growth with clean and sustainable wind energy. Ethiopia has the wind and hydro resources to become Africa’s ‘powerhouse’ for renewable energy generation and export.” Since October of 2012, Terra has been collecting wind data and characteristics on the Debre Birhan site as part of a year-long technical and financial feasibility study. Data sensors on two 60-meter MET towers manufactured by NRG Systems of Vermont and installed for Terra by Harness Energy of Denver, Colorado near Chacha and Simbo points of the project site, are being transmitted via satellite. “The wind data we are collecting is very encouraging,” said Mr. Abebe. “We are on a fast track, with additional MET tower installations planned in Q2 of 2013. Terra is providing US technology, expertise, and investment, while helping Ethiopia to build its wind energy sector capacity.” As part of Terra’s local capacity building project, Terra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the nearby Debre Birhan University School of Engineering to create a Wind Energy Center of Excellence. Terra and its suppliers are providing data sensor and other equipment for a hands-on student-led on campus wind monitoring. Terra is coordinating expert led on-line wind energy technical education and student field experience sessions during the installation and commissioning of wind resource measurement equipment. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Terra is a team of veteran renewable energy developers and international business leaders with a strong presence in the African energy market. Terra’s projects help power growth in Africa’s emerging economies with a clean and sustainable energy.
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