The completion of the Weynanta 132 kV substation is expected to resolve electricity supply challenges at the Yirgalem Integrated Agro-Processing Industrial Park, according to park management.

The park’s General Manager, Mr. Badego Bekele, stated that once fully operational, the substation will supply more than 50 megawatts of electricity to the industrial park.

He noted that the park currently receives only 12 megawatts of power to serve nine factories producing for both domestic and export markets. This gap between supply and demand, he explained, has been limiting efforts to expand production capacity.

Mr. Badego further indicated that some factories already require more than one megawatt of power individually. With 34 additional projects planned to become operational in the near future, overall electricity demand could exceed the substation’s capacity. He therefore emphasized the need for timely expansion works and power system upgrades to meet the future demand of up to 150 industrial sheds planned within the park.

According to the General Manager, the completion of the Weynanta substation will not only ensure reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply but also enable factories that have been unable to commence operations due to power shortages to begin production.

He highlighted that the project will play a key role in boosting domestic production, increasing foreign currency earnings through import substitution, creating employment opportunities for youth, and attracting new investors to the park.

In addition, the substation will support the reliable operation of a large-scale wastewater treatment plant currently under construction within the park, designed to process over 4,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day.