Ethiopia Completes Its Massive Nile River Dam Project

Ethiopia has officially completed construction of its massive Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River, a landmark project aimed at boosting the nation’s electricity generation and supporting economic development. The dam has been a point of regional contention, particularly with Egypt and Sudan, due to concerns over water access. Despite the disputes, Ethiopia views the dam as a symbol of national pride and a key step toward energy self-sufficiency and industrial growth.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), initiated in 2011 with a budget of $4 billion, stands as the continent's largest hydroelectric endeavor.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that the multi-billion-dollar dam on the Blue Nile, long a point of concern for neighboring nations, is now finished and will be formally inaugurated in September.

Spanning 1.8 kilometers in width and rising 145 meters in height, GERD is regarded as a monumental infrastructure achievement for Africa.

The Ethiopian government maintains the dam is critical to its plans for national electrification, though it has been a contentious issue for Egypt and Sudan, who fear reduced water flow.

In his address to parliament, Abiy confirmed the dam’s completion and noted preparations for its inauguration are underway. He emphasized that Ethiopia views the dam not as a threat but as a chance for regional collaboration and mutual benefit. The prime minister highlighted that the project aims to fuel development and energy access, not just within Ethiopia, but across the region.

Electricity generation at the site began in February 2022; the dam is situated in Ethiopia’s northwest, roughly 30 kilometers from the Sudanese border. Once fully operational, it can store up to 74 billion cubic meters of water and produce over 5,000 megawatts of electricity—more than double Ethiopia’s existing capacity.

With a population estimated at 130 million and growing quickly, Ethiopia faces increasing energy demands. Despite these efforts, approximately half the population still lacks access to electricity, according to recent World Bank figures. Egypt and Sudan have raised objections over the dam’s unilateral operation, arguing it could jeopardize their essential water resources without a binding agreement.

Egypt, already experiencing acute water shortages, depends on the Nile for 97% of its freshwater supply and views the dam as a direct threat. Nonetheless, Abiy expressed Ethiopia’s openness to productive dialogue, assuring that the project does not intend to harm Egypt or Sudan.

He reiterated a commitment to shared progress and equitable access to water and energy among all countries involved. The stance of Sudan has varied, particularly in light of its current internal conflict and political instability.

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Source: NDTV‍