Authors : Asmamaw Mulugeta

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mvnyuz9p

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yrxd8pez

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov131

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.

Abstract : Ethiopia has significant geothermal potential in the East African Rift System, but not much has been done to develop and utilize this resource despite exploration efforts starting in 1969. The primary barriers to Ethiopia's geothermal energy sector development are thoroughly examined in this paper, along with practical ways to get past them. Lack of skilled labor, inadequate institutional and policy frameworks, a lack of government support, high upfront exploration and drilling costs, technological and infrastructure gaps, and competition from more highly valued renewable energy sources particularly hydropower are some of the primary challenges mentioned. The Aluto-Langano pilot plant's poor performance, which damaged trust in geothermal investments, has also had a detrimental impact on the industry. On the other hand, Ethiopia has many advantages for expanding geothermal energy, such as abundant resources exceeding 10,000 MW, growing domestic demand for clean and dependable baseload energy, expanding international collaborations, and alignment with national energy diversification objectives. Based on lessons learned from successful geothermal economies like Kenya and Iceland, this paper proposes integrated mitigation strategies that include capacity building, policy and regulatory reforms, risk-sharing financing mechanisms, the establishment of an independent geothermal development agency, increased private sector participation, and strategic site prioritization. If properly implemented, these measures can accelerate geothermal development, attract sustainable investments, and assist Ethiopia in transitioning to a stable, low- carbon, and diverse energy mix. Ethiopia might become a regional leader in geothermal development and greatly increase its energy security with the use of geothermal energy.

Keywords : Geothermal Energy Development, Barriers and Mitigation strategies, Sustainable Energy Policy.

References :

1. (GSE) Geological Survey of Ethiopia; (2015). Formulating Master Plan on Development of Ethiopia. Jica, 1–250. http://open_jicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12233185_01.pdf
2. Ababa, A. (2018). The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of Water Irrigation and E Electricity National Energy Policy National Energy Policy 2015. October.
3. Agency, C., & Exploration, S. R. (2014). Data Collection Survey on Geothermal Development in Djibouti. June.
4. Amanu, B. Z., Power, E. E., Project, A. G., & Ababa, A. (2018). STRENGTHENING OF THE GEOTHERMAL SECTOR. 31, 633–654.
5. Energy 101. (n.d.). GEOTHERMAL- Basics - Energy-101.org. 1, 1–4. https://energy-101.org/geothermal-basics/
6. Ethiopian Energy Outlook 2025 Select this and double click on an image in the library. (2025).
7. Impact, E., Of, A., Sector, G., Project, D., Aluto, F. O. R., Geothermal, E., Site, P., & Power, E. (2013). E4392 v1. December.
8. Kebede, S. (2014a). Geothermal Exploration and Development in Ethiopia: Country Update. Short Course IX on Exploration for Geothermal Resources, 15(Figure 1), 8.
9. Kebede, S. (2014b). Opportunities and challenges in geothermal exploration and development in Ethiopia. Transactions - Geothermal Resources Council, 38(ii), 589–591.
10. Kebede, S. (2014c). Opportunities and Challenges in Geothermal Exploration and Development in Ethiopia. 38.
11. Kebede, S. (2016). GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN ETHIOPIA. ii, 1–8.
12. Kebede, S. (2023). STATUS OF GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN ETHIOPIA. 1–8.
13. Maagøe, V. (2023). Ethiopian-Danish Energy Cooperation Review of Ethiopian Energy Efficiency Policy Report: Review of Ethiopian Energy Efficiency Policy Prepared for: Danish Energy Agency. August. www.viegandmaagoe.dk
14. Mamo, T. (2002). Geothermal Exploration in Ethiopia, Country Report. World, 11, 12–15.
15. MoWE. (2022). Ministry of water and energy, FDRE. 2–25.
16. Overview, M. (2021). Ethiopia. February.
17. Usui, K., & Mohammed, A. (2016). The world bank. (2016) The world bank.
18. Woldie, A. (2025). The Ethiopian energy sector and its implications for the SDGs and modeling. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition, 2(February 2022), 100018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rset.2022.100018