Ethiopia has made history by officially inaugurating its massive hydroelectric project, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), aimed at boosting electricity production, reducing energy shortages, and becoming a major power supplier to neighboring countries.
The historic launch took place today in Benishangul-Gumuz region, with international leaders, Ethiopian citizens, and politicians gathering to witness the milestone.
The dam, located on the Nile River near the Sudanese border, stretches 145 meters high and 1,780 meters wide, with a water storage capacity of 74 billion cubic meters and an electricity generation potential of 5,150 megawatts. So far, six out of 13 turbines are operational, producing a total of 750 megawatts.
Constructed over 14 years (2011–2025), the $5 billion project (approximately Tsh 12.5 trillion) is considered a historic achievement in Ethiopia’s sustainable energy sector.
The GERD turbines are already generating electricity, and as more units come online, output is expected to increase significantly, transforming the lives of millions of Ethiopians and stimulating regional economic growth.
However, Egypt, which depends on the Nile for 97% of its water, views the dam as a major threat. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has repeatedly stated that GERD endangers his country’s water security and has pledged to take all legal measures to protect Egypt’s interests.
Experts describe GERD as a game-changer for Ethiopia, where 45% of the population currently lacks reliable electricity. They predict the dam will boost the economy, encourage industrialization, support electric vehicle adoption, and enable electricity exports across the region, including to Tanzania.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is now the largest hydroelectric project in Africa and ranks among the top 20 largest dams in the world.
