Clean Development Mechanism through Geothermal: Ethiopian Scenario

Abstract

Over 80 % of population in Ethiopia lives in rural area with a meager per capita electricity consumption of 23 kWh. Wood and agricultural waste is the main source of energy in the rural areas that generates black carbon to the tune of 625 Gg. This is detrimental to human health as well as glaciers over Asia and Eastern Africa. By developing available geothermal resources in the Rift Valley, Ethiopia can enhance its current electricity generation to 39 x 109 kWh thereby improving the country’s GDP and per capita electricity consumption. Savings from carbon emissions will aid in infrastructure development of the country.