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

UK Govt Outlines New Approach at G20

UK is resetting its relationship with countries in the Global South and helping countries exit the need for aid The UK is resetting its relationship with countries in the Global South and

Cumbria project finalist in global river awards

Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme selected as finalist in the Thiess International Riverprize Awards. Winner announced in Brisbane in September…reports Asian Lite News The Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme has been named

AUKUS treaty deepens UK-Australia defence ties

Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary in Australia alongside UK’s Carrier Strike Group – demonstrating government’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific…reports Asian Lite News A new 50 year AUKUS treaty will

US Eyes Plan B for Gaza Ceasefire

The US negotiating team is returning home from Qatar for consultations upon Hamas’ latest response which he called “selfish”…reports Asian Lite News US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has

Modi Lands in Malé for Big Day

PM Modi is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of President Muizzu to participate as the Guest of Honour at the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Ethiopia, Somalia to hold talks over Somaliland   

Turkey has been mediating between the two east African countries

Sudan refuses to relinquish disputed Fashaga area with Ethiopia

Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan has