Ethiopia Advances Nuclear Ambitions: PM Declares Nuclear Energy the “Next Chapter”Addis Ababa Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared that nuclear energy represents the country’s “next chapter,” as Ethiopia moves forward with plans to build its first nuclear power plant in close cooperation with Russia.
During a visit to the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission this week, the Prime Minister announced that Ethiopia intends to construct two reactors, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
He acknowledged that the project will take at least ten years to complete but highlighted nuclear power’s key advantage: reliable, consistent output free from the seasonal fluctuations that affect hydropower and solar.
Three potential sites have already been shortlisted from more than 30 candidates assessed. External institutions will now confirm their viability before Ethiopia finalizes an agreement with a technology provider.
The government is also prioritizing workforce development and institutional readiness, stressing that nuclear energy must be pursued peacefully, safely, and sustainably.