World Power Plants

Melka Wekana153 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

Melka Wekana is a standout facility in Ethiopia's limited power generation landscape, ranking 7th among just 13 power plants in the country. With a capacity of 153 MW, it holds the 6th position in the hydroelectric category, contributing significantly to Ethiopia's energy mix where hydro power is the dominant source. Commissioned in 1983, this facility harnesses the power of flowing water to generate renewable electricity, showcasing the country’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Notably, Melka Wekana operates in isolation, with no nearby plants within a 50 km radius, highlighting its unique role in the region's energy supply. Ethiopia's total installed capacity stands at 4,024 MW, meaning Melka Wekana represents approximately 3.80% of the national capacity. This makes it one of the key players in a country where hydroelectric power plants are essential to meet the growing energy demands of a rapidly developing nation. As the country continues to invest in harnessing its vast water resources, Melka Wekana's legacy as a foundational component of the hydroelectric infrastructure will remain significant. Looking forward, the plant will likely play an integral role in bolstering the national grid, supporting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for millions of Ethiopians reliant on consistent energy access.

Capacity
153 MW
Commissioning Year
1983

43 years old

Owner
Ethiopian Electric Power
Location
7.1761°, 39.4311°

Ethiopia, Africa

Context & rankings
  • 7. largest of 13 plants in Ethiopia
  • #8,319 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,757 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 3.8% of the installed capacity of Ethiopia
Age & fleet comparison

43 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Ethiopian Electric Power operates 12 plants totalling 4,017 MW

Regional density

1 plants within 100 km, 7 MW combined

Nearest plant: Aluto-Langano (97.8 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 7.176100, 39.431100
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Melka Wekana is a hydro power plant producing approximately 536 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Ethiopia
Continent
Africa
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

EthiopiaEnergy Profile

13
Total Plants
4.0 GW
Total Capacity
HydroWindGeothermal
Top Fuels

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