Construction of what is expected to be Africa’s largest hydro-electric dam is nearing completion and is expected to start producing power at the end of 2020.
The Grand Renaissance dam being constructed in Ethiopia will start by producing 750 megawatts, water and energy minister Seleshi Bekele has said.
“We expect the dam to be fully operational by the end of 2022,” Bekele told parliament.
Ethiopia hopes that the 6,000-megawatt Grand Renaissance Dam will help bolster its quest to become Africa’s biggest power exporter.
The Dam is being built on the Blue Nile, one of the tributaries of the river which has served as Egypt’s main source of water for consumption, industry and farming since the dawn of history.
Egypt is worried that the dam-set to become Africa’s largest hydro-electric dam-may slash the flow of freshwater from the Nile to its territory.
However, Ethiopia maintains that the Grand Renaissance Dam’s construction will not reduce Egypt’s share of the river. It insists the dam is needed for development saying it will continue with its construction.