Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam spans 1,780 meters across the Blue Nile River with a height of 155 meters and a reservoir capacity of 74 billion cubic meters.

The United States Bureau of Reclamation identified the dam location during its Blue Nile survey between 1956 and 1964, leading to construction initiation in April 2011.

The dam represents Ethiopia's determination to achieve energy independence and economic growth through domestic infrastructure development and regional power distribution.

Upon completion, the dam will generate 6,000 megawatts of electricity, making it the largest hydroelectric facility in Africa with potential to supply power to neighboring countries.

The project includes three spillways with radial gates capable of managing extreme flood scenarios by discharging up to 14,700 cubic meters of water per second.

Location: Benishangul-Gumuz Region

Inception: 2022

Elevation above the sea: 656 m

Height: 155 m

Length: 1,780 m

GPS coordinates: 11.21417,35.09306

Latest update: June 17, 2025 18:50