Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Dr Sandokan Debebe as Chief Commissioner of the new Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission (ENEC). The appointment came after the Council of Ministers approved a regulation establishing the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission to oversee and coordinate Ethiopia’s development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Prior to his appointment as ENEC Chief Commissioner, Dr Debebe served for the past two years as Chief of Staff at the Office of the Prime Minister with rank of State Minister. He previously served as Director-General of the Science & Technology Information Centre and CEO of the Industrial Parks Development Corporation.
ENEC is tasked with applying nuclear energy in critical sectors, including electricity generation, industrial development, food security, healthcare, and scientific research, in accordance with international standards and frameworks. Dr Debebe will oversee implementation of the Commission’s mandate and ensure compliance with national regulations and international safety standards.
The move follows the government’s September announcement of an ambitious nuclear programme aimed at constructing two reactors of about 1,200 MWe each by the early 2030s. The project is intended to reduce Ethiopia’s reliance on hydropower, which currently accounts for more than 90% of electricity supply and meet the growing energy demand from urbanisation and industrialisation.
Russia is a key partner in the plan. Earlier in October, Ethiopia signed an action plan with Moscow to conduct feasibility studies, select sites, and transfer technology, with Russia expected to provide both technical expertise and training for Ethiopian specialists.
