The Generation Operation Department of Ethiopian Electric Power reported that the maintenance performed in the previous Ethiopian fiscal year has ensured the power plants continue to produce stable and reliable energy.
Mr. Zelalem Bayleyegn, Director of the Generation Operation Technical Support and Service Department, stated that during the 2016 EFY, preventive, inspection, and predictive maintenance activities were implemented to enhance the reliability of the power plants.
He reported that 94 percent of the operational readiness for the power plants has been attained.
He emphasized that during the fiscal year, annual maintenance and inspections were performed on schedule at all power plants, including Gilgel Gibe 2 and 3, Melka Wakena, Tana Beles, Fincha, Tekeze, Reppie, Koka, Adama 1, and Ashgoda.
The director explained that, as a result of completing these maintenance tasks, the power plants were able to deliver dependable electricity, which contributed to a 16.3 percent increase in energy production for the 2015 fiscal year.
He also noted that the spare parts required for maintaining the power plants throughout the fiscal year were supplied according to agreements with various organizations and through different procurement methods.
Mr. Zelalem detailed that, alongside maintenance efforts, several initiatives have been undertaken to modernize the operations and upkeep of the power plants.
He noted that contracts have been signed with Andritz Hydro and Voith Hydro to enhance and upgrade the Beles, Gilgel Gibe 1, and Gilgel Gibe 2 power plants.
Mr. Zelalem emphasized that initiatives are underway to improve data management at the Gilgel Gibe 3 power plant. This involves cataloging each machine’s history in an organized format and ensuring that manuals are readily available on-site.
Additionally, a system has been implemented to allow all technical staff at the facility to access maintenance histories and records of previous issues.
In the fiscal year 2016 EFY, a total of 20,596.38 GWH of energy were produced.