The major components of the project:
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissances Dam is being constructed for the purpose of generating electricity with total installed capacity of average annual energy production of about 15,759 GWh/yr.
Discharge rate about 1,547 m3/s.
The reservoir area will cover 1,874 square kilometers at full supply level of 640 meters above sea level maximum amd 590 metres minimum.
It has a 1.8 km length and 145 m height Roller Compacted Concrete dam.
Saddle Dam embankment of length 5.2 km and height 50 m.
The total storage volume is 74 billion cubic meters
Benefits of the Grand Renaissance Project
At the completion of the project, the average generation of 15,759 Giga watt hours per year will have a significant contribution to the national electricity system. The contribution of this project will be higher to reach the targets set by the rural electrification villages and to increase the supply from 44% to 90%.
Shipping Transport and Fish Resource Development:
Creating an artificial lake with a width of 1,874 square kilometer and 74 billion cubic meters, it will provide boat and boating transportation for the area, it also provides an opportunity to develop additional fish resources and become a world-class tourist destination.
The availability of water, land and specialty biodiversity:
The lake and the islands will become a haven for many shores of the lake and will be the preferred living place for those who live in or around the area.
Consideration of Power Connectivity or Sale:
The project will play a major role in increasing the capacity of the country generate electricity and to implement the energy export plan.
Removing carbon dioxide release:
Since the hydroelectric plant is free of carbon dioxide, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam contributes to the protection of environmental ecosystems.
For Countries, Local and Global Benefits:
Nile is a cross-border river that flows from the highlands of Ethiopia to Sudan and Egypt, The annual average flow of 50.6 billion cubic meters on the border of Sudan. Regarding the benefits of the downstream countries:
Sudan:
Sudan can have benefit from GERD that is providing consistency of water, reducing the flood risk, preventing drought, reducing deforestation and degradation, creating an opportunity for more electricity and increasing the power generation capacity under the dam.
Egypt:
Benefit of Egypt from GERD is; water conservation and better use of water, flood protection, sustainable access to water, deforestation and depletion, access to transit and additional electricity.
Local and international significance:
Reduce air pollution, reduce climate change, generate economic connectivity in local countries, and bring about economic growth.
In general, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project is expected to give significance role for the development of the Nile Basin Countries through cooperation on development, better use of water and the improvement of the climate.
For More information about the GERD, please click here.
