February 21, 2022
1 min read

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam’s turbines swing into action

The first power generation comes as Ethiopia’s downstream neighbours –Egypt and Sudan view the dam as a threat to reduce the volume of water reaching their territories….reports Asian Lite News

The Ethiopian government has announced its grand hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile river has started generating electricity.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday officially inaugurated the first power generation of the mega-dam, dubbed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is set to be the largest hydroelectric plant in Africa, Xinhua news agency quoted state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) as saying in a report.

“The dam’s electricity generation is a blessing for the downstream countries too. We want to export our pollution-free power to Europe through Sudan and Egypt,” Ahmed said during the inaugural ceremony.

Ethiopia’s state-television reported that one of the 13 turbines of the grand dam commenced power generation on Sunday, with power generating capacity of 375 megawatts of electricity.

The first power generation comes as Ethiopia’s downstream neighbours –Egypt and Sudan view the dam as a threat to reduce the volume of water reaching their territories.

Ethiopia however, claims the dam is essential for its electrification and development and will insignificantly impact the downstream countries.

The country has frequently said the dam is essential for its development and will enable it to distribute power to its population of more than 110 million.

The east African nation had initially planned to generate around 6,500 megawatts of electricity from the dam, which is now 84 per cent complete.

The power generating capacity was later reduced to 5,150 megawatts.

The dam is being built on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia’s Benishangul- Gumuz Regional State with a designed total water holding capacity of 74 billion cubic metres.

ALSO READ: Ex-cop jailed for fatally shooting African-American man

ALSO READ: 6 African countries to be part of WHO’s mRNA vax tech project

Previous Story

Biden ready to meet Putin but conditions apply

Next Story

Britain and EU to project united front in N Ireland protocol talks

Latest from -Top News

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes

Hegseth Cuts Deep

US Defense Secretary Hegseth abruptly fired Navy Chief Jon Harrison in a major Pentagon shake-up….reports Asian Lite News US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth abruptly dismissed Jon Harrison, the Navy Chief of Staff,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Ethiopia launches new Covid-19 vaccination campaign to boost inoculation

The Ethiopian government has launched a new Covid-19 vaccination campaign

UN Concern Over Ethiopia

The rapidly deteriorating situation in northern Ethiopia has severely impacted