GEIDCO powers schools in Ethiopia

Beijing-based NGO provides electricity to campuses

Beijing-based Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, which aims to meet the global demand for electricity in a clean and green way, has set up its first energy aid program for Africa in Ethiopia.

Under the program, GEIDCO will provide reliable power supply for about 200 teachers and students in the Abay Silto School in Oromia, near Addis Ababa, the nation's capital.

The Abay Silto school, situated in the southeast of Addis Ababa, is surrounded by mountains and has virtually no access to electricity. At present, the school uses diesel power generators to supply power for about two hours a day for the classrooms.

GEIDCO is building a 15 kilovolt line from the nearby Bole-Lemi substation to supply power to the school. With an investment of $200,000, the project has a total line length of 7.5 kilometers and 120 power poles.

"It is expected that the construction will be completed by the end of March. After it is put into operation, the school will have access to normal power, thereby reducing electricity costs by nearly 80 percent," according to the African office of the non-profit international organization. "The project also provides valuable experience and basis for neighboring poor villages to have access to power."

Ahimed Hamissou, director of the Abay Silto School, said: "Previously teaching and living in the Abay Silto School was quite inconvenient. With the help of this project, both the dormitories and the teaching area will have access to proper electricity."

"Preparation of teaching material will be much more convenient during the evenings, and the students will be able to use PowerPoint and other modern learning materials. We are looking forward to the completion of the project." The project is being constructed by China Electricity Power Equipment and Tech Co, in cooperation with Oromia Water, Mineral and Energy Bureau and Ethiopian Electric Utility. GEIDCO said it will donate the project to the Ethiopian government. EEU will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, inspection and repair of the project to maintain the safe and stable operation of the lines.

"Abay Silto and other local schools and villages have not had electricity for a long time and we don't have money to buy diesel generators as well. GEIDCO's decision to finance the project has been welcomed by one and all," Ahimed said. "We are particularly grateful for the efforts our Chinese friends and their contribution to the building of a modern Ethiopia."

GEIDCO has been putting efforts to accelerating the development of global energy interconnection in Africa. GEIDCO is a vision to form a massive global electricity grid powered by renewable sources. It is a globally interconnected smart grid with ultrahigh voltage grids as its backbone.

jingshuiyu@chinadaily.com.cn