Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), formerly known as the Millennium Dam, is a gravity dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia under construction since 2011. Here are key points regarding the dam:
History and Construction
- The project was officially announced by Meles Zenawi in 2011, with the aim to provide electricity to millions of Ethiopians and to export power to neighboring countries.
- The dam is being constructed by Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) and Salini Impregilo, an Italian company, now known as Webuild.
- Construction began in 2011, with the initial filling of the reservoir started in 2020.
Location and Specifications
- The dam is located in the Benishangul-Gumuz region near the border with Sudan, approximately 40km east of the border.
- It is designed to have a total capacity of 6,450 MW, which would make it the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa when completed.
- The dam will have a total length of 1,800 meters, a height of 145 meters, and a storage capacity of 74 billion cubic meters.
Purpose and Impact
- The primary purpose of the dam is to generate electricity for domestic consumption and export. It's expected to produce over 15,000 GWh of electricity annually.
- The project aims to help Ethiopia achieve energy independence, provide electricity to its population, and support economic growth.
- It has sparked a significant international controversy, particularly with Egypt and Sudan, due to concerns over water flow and rights to the Nile.
International Relations
- The construction of GERD has led to diplomatic tensions with Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile for its water supply.
- There have been several rounds of negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan, facilitated by international bodies like the African Union, to reach an agreement on the filling and operation of the dam.
- Concerns include the impact on water security, agriculture, and the environment in downstream countries.
Environmental and Social Impacts
- The dam's construction has raised environmental concerns, including potential impacts on the Blue Nile's ecosystem, wildlife displacement, and changes in sediment flow.
- There are also social impacts, particularly concerning the displacement of local communities and changes in traditional livelihoods.
Current Status
- As of the latest updates, the dam has been generating electricity, with partial filling of the reservoir completed. The project is expected to be fully operational in the coming years.
For more detailed information and ongoing developments:
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