Ethiopia’s Hydropower Dev’t Exemplary to Showcase Clean Energy Centered Power Generation: Scholar

Addis Ababa, September 25/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia’s hydro centered energy development activities are exemplary to showcase  pollution free clean energy generation, hydropower development researcher and instructor at the Addis Ababa University, Ermias Tefera remarked.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is an essential multi-purpose project for ensuring regulated and constant water flow to the lower riparian countries besides its contribution in reducing their vulnerability to flood and for sustained source of energy, it was learned.

 The dam ensures constant water flow to downstream countries by increasing the volume of water by 25 percent during the dry season and would keep water lost by evaporation only to 12 percent.

 ENA has conducted an exclusive interview with Ermias Tefera, hydropower researcher and instructor at the Addis Ababa University to discuss about a hydropower centered energy development and other related issues regarding the development of climate change resilient economic development in Ethiopia. He said hydropower centered energy provides a great deal of contribution to building a climate resilience economy and ensuring sustainable development.

 According to the researcher, the 5,150 MW clean energy, which would be generated from the GERD, will mutually benefit the countries of the region and would promote regional economic integration.

 He further added that the dam will markedly reduce the vulnerability of irrigation schemes in lower riparian countries to torrential floods by reducing the amount of top soil that would be washed away annually.

 He added that GERD is a showcase for the promotion of a strong spirit to succeed in development endeavors among Ethiopians and is a symbol of national pride for the country.

 Ethiopia’s hydropower energy development is exemplary to showcase pollution free clean energy centered power generation, the researcher stated. Ermias added that the GERD has led to the creation of a 1,280 sq. km water body and commended the special contribution made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed towards the realization of the dam.

 In terms of its capacity to hold water GERD ranks 12th among the dams across the world, the researcher indicated.

 He mentioned that Egypt’s Aswan Dam is the 8th biggest dam in the world and noted that the current pressure being exerted to sabotage the completion of the dam is unacceptable and counterproductive.

 He lauded the relentless efforts made by the government and the National Negotiating Technical Committee for all their efforts in resisting the continuous pressure hurdled on the team during the previous negotiations. Ermias elaborated that Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan have signed the Cooperative Framework Agreement in the spirit of resolving African problems in the African way, adding that as South Sudan recently signed the agreement, there will be a possibility of establishing the Nile Basin Commission.

 He further remarked that after its completion, GERD will become a vital catalyst for urbanization and industrial development by effectively fulfilling the energy needs of the country.