Ethiopia says mega-dam doubles electrical energy output – Uplaza

Ethiopia mentioned it has greater than doubled electrical energy manufacturing from its controversial mega-dam on the Blue Nile after two extra generators began operations.

The multi-billion-dollar Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), lengthy a supply of tensions with downstream nations Egypt and Sudan, is now producing 1,550 megawatts of electrical energy, GERD mentioned in a submit on X late Tuesday.

“The overall progress of the GERD has now transitioned from construction phase to operation phase,” it mentioned, including that building of the concrete dam was now full.

“The two turbines generating 400MW each have now started operations, adding to the already functional two turbines generating 375MW each, totalling an output of 1,550MW.”

The dam’s spillways have been additionally releasing an additional 2,800 cubic meters of water to the downstream international locations, it added.

Ethiopia first started producing electrical energy on the $4.2-billion venture, which is situated within the northwest of the nation round 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the border with Sudan, in February 2022.

At full capability, the massive dam—1.8 kilometers lengthy and 145 meters excessive—might generate greater than 5,000 megawatts of energy when all 13 generators are operational.

That may make it Africa’s greatest hydroelectric dam and greater than double Ethiopia’s present output.

Addis Ababa deems the GERD important for the electrification and growth of Africa’s second most populous nation.

Based on the World Financial institution, roughly half of the 120 million inhabitants nonetheless doesn’t have entry to dependable electrical energy.

Electrical energy deficit

The dam, which may maintain as much as 74 billion cubic meters of water, has been on the centre of a regional dispute ever since Ethiopia broke floor on the venture in 2011.

Egypt and Sudan have voiced issues about its operation with out a three-way settlement, fearing it might threaten their entry to important Nile waters, however on-off negotiations have did not make a breakthrough.

Egypt, which is already affected by extreme water shortage, sees the dam as an existential risk as a result of it depends on the Nile for 97 p.c of its water wants.

The place of fragile Sudan, which is presently mired in a civil struggle, has fluctuated in recent times.

Ethiopia insists the dam is not going to scale back the quantity of water flowing downstream.

“The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) plays a crucial role in managing water flow, mitigating flood risks, and ensuring that downstream nations receive a steady supply of water, particularly during droughts,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed mentioned in a submit on X on Sunday.

In April, the World Financial institution introduced a plan to assist Ethiopia broaden its electrical energy community and diversify into different clear assets, together with photo voltaic, wind, and geothermal energy.

It mentioned the federal government had made “encouraging progress” on its electrification program and expanded the grid community protection to almost 60 p.c of cities and villages.

“Yet the electricity deficit in Ethiopia continues to exacerbate the poverty situation, preventing far too many people from fulfilling their basic socio-economic needs and limiting access to opportunity,” it mentioned.

© 2024 AFP