Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Hydroelectric power station in Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam extends 1,780 meters across the Blue Nile and rises 155 meters high. The reservoir holds 74 billion cubic meters of water and serves power generation purposes.
An American agency identified the site during a survey of the Blue Nile between 1956 and 1964. Construction started in April 2011 and has continued since.
The dam symbolizes the country's determination to secure energy and economic development through its own infrastructure. The project is seen as a sign of national pride and shows the will to cooperate regionally in the power sector.
The dam is located in the Benishangul-Gumuz region in the northwest of the country. Once complete, the facility will generate 6,000 megawatts and supply power beyond Africa.
The system features three spillways with radial gates that together can discharge up to 14,700 cubic meters of water per second. This capacity allows even heavy flooding from the Blue Nile to be managed.
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