The recently created Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission (Enec) has said it aims to follow an accelerated path in nuclear power development that would see first power generated from the African nation’s first planned nuclear power plant in under 10 years, according to local media reports.
Deputy commissioner of Enec, Abdulrazak Omar, told local media that nuclear power generation would typically take around 10-15 years to develop, but that some countries such as China had managed to reduce this timeframe, and that Ethiopia would aim to achieve it in less than a decade.
Enec was established in October 2025, with the objective to develop nuclear power and meet growing energy demand and reduce the reliance on hydropower. Hydropower represents around 90% of the country’s electricity supply.
The government said in September that it plans to build two 1,200 MW reactors by the middle of the next decade.
Speaking at an event in December attended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Enec commissioner Sandokan Debebe, said nuclear would form a cornerstone of the country’s long-term energy strategy, that would serve as a pillar for economic growth and energy security.
IAEA director general Rafael Grossi said the creation of Enec was critical for the development and regulation of nuclear power in line with safety and security standards.
Grossi highlighted nuclear energy’s potential to create a low-carbon energy source for Ethiopia, while also stimulating growth and creating highly-skilled work opportunities.
In late 2025, Ethiopia signed an action plan with Russia to conduct feasibility studies, select sites and transfer technology. This included the creation of a working group to formulate a nuclear power plant construction project and roadmap.