Faith Nyasuguta
Ethiopia has announced a significant boost in electricity production from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), its multi-billion-dollar hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile, following the commencement of two new turbines.
This expansion has more than doubled the dam’s output, now generating 1,550 megawatts, according to a statement released by GERD on X (formerly Twitter) late Tuesday. “The overall progress of the GERD has now transitioned from the construction phase to the operation phase,” the statement noted, confirming that the dam’s concrete structure is complete.
The two newly activated turbines produce 400 megawatts each, complementing the output from two existing turbines generating 375 megawatts each, bringing the total power generation to 1,550 megawatts. The dam, which first began generating electricity in February 2022, is expected to reach its full capacity of over 5,000 megawatts, more than doubling Ethiopia’s current national output and solidifying its position as a key power producer in Africa.
While the dam is celebrated in Ethiopia as a milestone for economic development and electrification, it has been a source of regional tension, particularly with downstream countries Egypt and Sudan. Both nations have raised concerns over the operation of the GERD without a binding trilateral agreement, fearing it could severely impact their access to crucial Nile waters.
The Nile provides almost 97% of Egypt’s freshwater, and any reduction in its flow could have serious consequences for its agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall economic stability. Sudan, similarly, worries about the potential effects on its water management infrastructure and dam safety.
Despite these concerns, Ethiopia views the GERD as a transformative project essential for its growth, reducing its dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and addressing widespread electricity shortages.
The dam is a centerpiece of Ethiopia’s ambitions to become a regional energy exporter, with plans to sell electricity to neighboring countries, including Kenya, Djibouti, and Sudan, potentially generating billions in revenue.
The project also aligns with Ethiopia’s broader strategy to achieve middle-income status by 2025, partly by leveraging its vast renewable energy potential. Ethiopia insists that the dam will not significantly impact the downstream flow of the Nile, arguing that it will provide benefits such as reduced evaporation losses and improved flood control.
However, Egypt and Sudan continue to push for a legally binding agreement that regulates the filling and operation of the dam to protect their water security. Negotiations remain stalled, but Ethiopia’s recent progress suggests it is determined to proceed with its vision of a self-reliant, energy-sufficient nation, regardless of external pressures.
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