Ethiopia Inaugurates Controversial GERD Dam This Week
Ethiopia is set to inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) this week, a project that has sparked controversy and concern among its downstream neighbours, Egypt and Sudan. The dam, which has been generating power since early 2022, is expected to double Ethiopia's electricity capacity and provide a significant boost to its economy. However, the construction of the GERD has raised serious questions about water security and has led to diplomatic tensions between the three countries.
The GERD, the largest dam in Africa, has been a contentious issue for years. Egypt and Sudan have opposed Ethiopia's 'unilateral measures' to control the river's flow, fearing that the dam will reduce the amount of water available to them. Egypt, in particular, relies on the Nile for around 90% of its water and is concerned about setting a precedent for future water developments. Ethiopia, however, views the dam as a crucial source of renewable energy and a means to control catastrophic floods in eastern Sudan.
The GERD was planned by the Ethiopian government and built mainly by the Italian company Webuild, with the Ethiopian military-owned Metal and Engineering Corporation responsible for installing turbines and electrical works. Ethiopia has also previously developed other dams such as Gilgel Gibe II, Gilgel Gibe III, and Tana Beles with the involvement of the same Italian contractor. Ethiopia intends to expand its renewable energy generation capacity significantly by 2030, aiming to increase Africa's renewable energy share and access, though specific further dam projects beyond GERD are not detailed.
The GERD is a significant infrastructure project that has the potential to transform Ethiopia's energy landscape and boost its economy. However, the dam's construction has also raised serious concerns about water security and has led to diplomatic tensions with Egypt and Sudan. As the dam is set to be inaugurated this week, all parties involved will need to work together to ensure that the GERD is managed in a way that is fair and beneficial to all. Ethiopia has signed electricity contracts with Kenya, Sudan, and Djibouti, and discussions are underway with other neighboring countries, indicating a commitment to regional cooperation and integration.
