Ethiopia inaugurates GERD dam amid downstream tensions with Egypt, Sudan
Ethiopia has opened its large hydroelectric dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), on the Blue Nile. This project has caused concern in Egypt and Sudan, who worry it might affect their water supply. While it promises electricity benefits, regional tensions over water use remain.
Key Facts:
- The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in Africa.
- It is located on the Blue Nile, near the Sudanese border.
- The project cost $5 billion and aims to produce over 5,000 megawatts of power.
- Ethiopia plans to export surplus electricity generated by the dam.
- Egypt and Sudan are concerned the dam might impact their water supply.
- The dam has been a point of tension since its launch in 2011.
- Regional leaders from Kenya and Somalia attended the inauguration, but not those from Egypt and Sudan.
- GERD may help regulate river flow and reduce flooding downstream.