JOHANNESBURG: Ethiopia’s energy output is set to double as a $1.8 billion dam project, which has been under construction for a while along Ethiopia’s Omo River, could begin generation in June 2015 and become fully operational by the first quarter of 2016.
The plant name is Gilgel Gibe 3, is expected to help the East African nation solve its perennial energy issue and sustain its rapidly growing economy, which is expanding at 9 percent per year.
Azeb Asnake, chief executive officer of the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation said 88 percent of the work for the Gibe 3 hydropower project has already been completed.
Construction commenced in 2008 and was meant to last three years but funding shortages, occasioned by concerns over the environmental impact of the project, has stalled completion.
Azeb however dismissed the concerns raised. According to her, Ethiopia’s research suggests that regulating river flow will stabilise fluctuating water levels.
Further she disclosed that two of ten units would be ready in six months, while an extra unit would be added each month afterwards. Once completed, the plant will generate 1,870 MW of power. The country is also developing 6,000 MW Grand Renaissance Dam along the Nile.
