On a cold winter night, applause erupted in a meeting room in Xi’an High-Tech Zone. On the screen, a group of people in short sleeves waved their hands excitedly under the sun.
Recently, the reactor connection at the Semera substation in Ethiopia successfully began receiving electricity. This project was executed by Xi’an Xidian International Engineering Co., Ltd. (Xi’dian International).
Ethiopia, located in the northeastern part of East Africa and known as the “water tower of East Africa” due to its rich water resources, has been facing significant challenges due to its insufficient electricity infrastructure. A local resident remarked, “We used to generate electricity mostly with diesel generators, and even hospitals often experienced sudden power outages due to voltage instability. Now, we have a stable electricity source in our village, and we no longer have to endure the noise of diesel generators, ensuring uninterrupted basic services.”
In this village, illuminated by the lights of the new substation built by Chinese engineers and workers, the local community expressed great appreciation. Ethiopian officials commented, “The successful operation of this 230kV substation will provide a more stable electricity supply to the Al-Fa region, supporting local infrastructure development and economic growth.” They extended their gratitude to Xi’dian International. During the New Year holiday, over 180 production workers, overseas service teams, and engineers from Xi’dian International continued to work on-site.
These types of projects serve as examples of how China’s “Belt and Road” Initiative contributes not only to economic development but also to strengthening cultural ties.