Why does Ethiopia want to build a dam?
The primary purpose of the dam is electricity production to relieve Ethiopia’s acute energy shortage and for electricity export to neighboring countries.
How many dams are in Ethiopia?
List of dams and reservoirs
| Reservoir | Coordinates | Total reservoir size [km3] |
|---|---|---|
| Genale Dawa VI | 5.68°N 40.93°E | 0.18 |
| GERD | 11.214°N 35.089°E | 74 |
| Gidabo | 6.438°N 38.168°E | 0.063 |
| Gilgel Gibe I | 7.831°N 37.322°E | 0.92 |
Is Ethiopia building a dam?
The $4 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was announced in early 2011, as Egypt was in political upheaval. Though construction has been hit by delays, Ethiopia began filling the reservoir behind the dam in 2020.
How long will it take to fill the Ethiopian dam?
Ethiopia says it will take a further four to six years to fill up the reservoir to its maximum flood season capacity of 74bcm. At that point, the lake that will be created could stretch back some 250km (155 miles) upstream. Between each subsequent flood season the reservoir will be lowered to 49.3bcm.
Who built Ethiopia dam?
Construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam started in April 2011 after the ETB80bn ($4.7bn) engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract was awarded to Salini Costruttori. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project is expected to be completed by July 2017.
What is dam project?
dam, structure built across a stream, a river, or an estuary to retain water. Many dams are built for more than one purpose; for example, water in a single reservoir can be used for fishing, to generate hydroelectric power, and to support an irrigation system.
What is a fun fact about Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest country Originally founded in 980 BC, Ethiopia is the oldest independent nation on the continent. Additionally, Ethiopia has remnants of some of the most ancient human beings on earth dating back millions of years making it one of the most important archaeological areas in the world.