Harnessing Wind Energy in Eritrea
Harnessing Wind Energy in Eritrea
Eritrea's development of efficient and affordable renewable energy, particularly of wind-powered and solar energy, has contributed tremendously to the lives of Eritrea's rural heartland and coastal communities.
In 2007, at a cost of 4 million Nakfa, Eritrea's first wind-powered electric generators were installed by Vergnet company in Assab. As a result of the success achieved in Assab, other parts of the Southern Red Sea region, including Edi, Berasole, Beilul, Gahro and Rahaita were introduced to wind turbines by the same company. While conventional windmills have three blades, Vergent Company has two blades that allows it to have the same efficiency but with lower maintenance cost.
According to the head of renewable energy department, the 3 large windmills installed in Assab have the capacity to each generate 250 kilowatts of electricity, while the smaller turbines in the other towns can generate up to 30 Kilowatts. Since installment, reports have indicated fuel dependency in that region have reduced by 10% and in Assab alone wind-powered energy meets 20% of the city's electric consumption.
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Eritrea's development of efficient and affordable renewable energy, particularly of wind-powered and solar energy, has contributed tremendously to the lives of Eritrea's rural heartland and coastal communities.
In 2007, at a cost of 4 million Nakfa, Eritrea's first wind-powered electric generators were installed by Vergnet company in Assab. As a result of the success achieved in Assab, other parts of the Southern Red Sea region, including Edi, Berasole, Beilul, Gahro and Rahaita were introduced to wind turbines by the same company. While conventional windmills have three blades, Vergent Company has two blades that allows it to have the same efficiency but with lower maintenance cost.
According to the head of renewable energy department, the 3 large windmills installed in Assab have the capacity to each generate 250 kilowatts of electricity, while the smaller turbines in the other towns can generate up to 30 Kilowatts. Since installment, reports have indicated fuel dependency in that region have reduced by 10% and in Assab alone wind-powered energy meets 20% of the city's electric consumption.
High wind velocity in Eritrea's Southern Red Sea region has become a great resource to harness renewable clean energy. In order for windmills to produce sufficient electricity, wind speeds of 7 knots (8 mph; 13km) or more are required. Wind speeds in the Southern Red Sea region regularly reach 10 knots (11mph; 18km ) and more, making any future wind turbine development in that region an excellent investment.
The Government of Eritrea has disclosed their goals are to invest more on wind energy till 50 percent of the nation's grid electricity comes from using wind turbines.
The Government of Eritrea has disclosed their goals are to invest more on wind energy till 50 percent of the nation's grid electricity comes from using wind turbines.
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| Wind Turbines in Assab, Eritrea |
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| Wind Turbines in Assab, Eritrea |
Harnessing Wind Energy in Eritrea
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