Ethopia's new dam to generate increased power

You're referring to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)!

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a massive hydroelectric dam being built on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia. It's one of the largest dams in Africa and is expected to generate significant amounts of electricity for Ethiopia and potentially for other countries in the region.

Here are some key facts about the GERD:

  1. Capacity: The dam will have a capacity of 6,450 megawatts (MW), making it one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world.
  2. Location: The dam is being built on the Blue Nile River, which is the primary source of water for the Nile River, which flows through 11 countries in northeastern Africa.
  3. Construction: The dam is being built by the Ethiopian government, with the help of Chinese and other international companies. Construction began in 2011 and is expected to be completed by 2025.
  4. Power generation: The dam will generate enough electricity to power over 20 million homes in Ethiopia, which is about 70% of the country's population.
  5. Water storage: The dam will have a water storage capacity of 74 billion cubic meters, which is equivalent to about 30 times the water volume of Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake.
  6. Impact on the Nile River: The dam will affect the flow of the Nile River, which is a vital source of water for irrigation and drinking water for millions of people in Egypt, Sudan, and other countries. Egypt and Sudan have expressed concerns about the dam's impact on their water supplies.
  7. Cost: The estimated cost of the dam is around $4.7 billion, making it one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in Africa.
  8. Benefits: The dam is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Ethiopia, including increased electricity generation, improved water management, and enhanced food security.

Overall, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a significant infrastructure project that will have far-reaching impacts on Ethiopia's economy and energy sector. However, its construction has also raised concerns about the potential effects on the Nile River and the water supplies of other countries in the region.