Powering up Djibouti’s first grid-scale independent energy project is gathering momentum. African Finance Corporation (AFC) has announced a US$63 million investment into the construction and operation of a 60 MW wind farm in Ghoubet, near Lake Assal. The project, launched in 2017, is being developed by a consortium comprising AFC (project lead), local developer Great Horn Investment Holdings, Climate Fund Managers and FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. Energy Central reports that the wind farm will cover 395 ha and consist of 15 wind turbines. Djibouti is working towards a 2030 target of 100% renewable energy generation, as the nation currently depends on domestic thermal power production as well as imports from Ethiopia for its electricity consumption. Commercial operation is expected by 2022. 25 February 2020 Image: Gallo/Getty Images