Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalgen called on French Senators to support Ethiopia in Renewable Energy Development, reported Star Africa.

This came out during his talks with a four-man delegation visiting Ethiopia, the Ethio-France Parliamentary Friendship Group, adding that his country has a goal of creating climate-friendly economic growth.

He also called on both the Government of France and the private sector in this regard, drawing on French experience in renewables.

The premier said that Ethiopia was working to resolve hurdles facing investors, including the construction of industrial zones.

In other news Penn Energy said that the US$1.8 b, 1,870-MW Gibe III hydroelectric project on Ethiopia’s Omo River has finally begun generating electricity.

Gibe III will increase Ethiopia’s power generation capacity by 234%, according to Cabinet Affairs Minister and former Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Alemayehu Tegenu.

Gibe III is also expected to supply Kenya, 200 MW to Sudan and 200 MW to Djibouti.

High-voltage transmission lines are being constructed from Wolyta Sodo, Ethiopia to export power and the project should be completed by 2018.