Some of the most beautiful ecosystems on our planet include rivers, which are vital for the survival of species. Some of them are longer or shorter and represent wonders embedded in the earth, such as the Nile, which is depicted as the source of life and is one of the most important known. A river where Ethiopia began building a large hydroelectric power station aims to be the largest energy producer in Africaand which, in addition to nature, would be presented as a great source of energy for this African country.
The infrastructure, also known as The Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (or GERD), is located near the border with Sudan, in the so-called Blue Nile. The Ethiopian project could be the seventh largest dam in the world.
Construction began more than a decade ago, in 2011, although there have been repeated delays. In February 2022, one of the dam's thirteen turbines was activated, allowing energy to be generated, and in September, the fourth and final stage of filling the dam was completed. Today, The project is “94.6 percent” completed, as the President of the Executive Committee of the National Council for the Coordination of the Dam, Demeke Mekonnen, highlighted a few days ago.
The Great Renaissance Dam, a hydroelectric project with more controversy than applause
Its structure will reach a height of 145 meters and its reservoir will be 145 meters high a total capacity of 74,000 million cubic meters, with a planned capacity between 6,500 MW and 5,150 MW. The prey will flood 1,874 square kilometers at an altitude of 640 m., as stated by Al Jazeera.
For its construction, Ethiopia has made an investment of between 4,000 and 5,000 million dollars, which will allow it to become the largest source of hydroelectric power in Africa, surpassing the large Aswan Dam in Egypt, responsible for feeding the Nile. Ethiopian authorities hope to double annual national electricity production and Providing the 60% of the population still connected to the network with access to a reliable source.
This project has generated Concerns in neighboring countries such as Sudan and Egypt, but also the classification of the dam as controversial and contentiouswhich has led to Ethiopia's recent diplomatic disputes with Cairo and Khartoum. Both nations have denounced the project as a threat to their farmers.in addition to viewing the project as “a fait accompli that includes Ethiopia.” Sole beneficiary of any commitment that could benefit the three countries.as the Egyptian Irrigation Ministry stated in the last conversation between the countries in December.