Ethiopia has officially announced the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile River. The dam, which began construction in 2011, is Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant with an installed capacity of 5.15 gigawatts. It aims to significantly boost Ethiopia’s electricity production and enable power exports to neighboring countries.
The dam’s construction reached around 99% completion by mid-2025, with six turbines already operational, generating substantial electricity. The final reservoir filling was completed in late 2024, reaching a water level of approximately 640 meters. The dam stretches 1.8 kilometers in length and stands 145 meters tall.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced plans to inaugurate the dam in September 2025, inviting downstream countries Egypt and Sudan to the ceremony in an effort to ease longstanding tensions over water rights. The project has been a source of regional dispute, as Egypt and Sudan fear that the dam will reduce their share of Nile water. Despite these concerns, Ethiopia emphasizes the dam’s importance for economic development and energy access, noting that only about half of its population currently has electricity.
The GERD is expected to nearly double Ethiopia’s electricity output, contributing to industrial growth and improved living standards. The dam’s completion marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s infrastructure development and regional energy ambitions.
