The second turbine of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) begins operation as Ethiopia edges closer to complete the third filling of its giant dam on the Blue Nile. It is a move that comes as Egypt places pressure on the Ethiopian government to stop its plans to fill the reservoir of the controversial dam.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said at a colorful event in Guba, where the dam is being built, that “lower riparian countries would benefit from the dam,” adding that it will have no effect on water flowing to Sudan and Egypt.
The announcement comes as the second turbine of the dam begins generating power, bringing the current total installed capacity of the dam to 750 mw. The first turbine of the dam, with an installed capacity of 375 mw, began operation last year at the same period.
Once all of the turbines of the dam begin generation, the dam will add over 5000 mw to the national power grid of the country.
