Japan is ready to support geothermal development activities in Ethiopia, according to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Speaking at a relevant workshop Tuesday, JICA Representative Mayumi Hayashi said the government of Japan is ready to support Ethiopia to generate more geothermal energy, AllAfrica reported. JICA has finalized maps for 22 geothermal sites in Ethiopia, the representative added.

Geological Survey of Ethiopia (GSE) Director-General, Masresha Gebreselassie said Ethiopia will begin expansion activities to generate 70 MW from Aluto Langano. The geothermal master plan preparation is being undertaken, he added according to 2Merkato.com.

Japan is extending new technologies, skill, knowledge, finance and appraisal studies to Ethiopia to generate electricity from geothermal, Masresha said.

Japan is the third geothermal energy producer in the world.