Efforts in progress to increase number of GERD’s turbines into 7: Minister
Addis Ababa, September 15, 2023 (FBC) – Minister of Water and Energy of Ethiopia, Habtamu Itefa stated that work is being undertaking to increase the number of power generating turbines at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
In addition to the existing two turbines that started generating power in August 2022, efforts are afoot to put 5 more turbines into operation in the new Ethiopian year, the Minister said in a recent exclusive interview wit Fana Broadcasting Corporate.
When the new 5 turbines come into operation, Ethiopia will increase its current 4 thousand 818 megawatt power supply even further, he said.
Compared to the existing two turbines at GERD that have been put into operation last year, the 5 turbines that will be put into operation this year are expected to produce 1 thousand 180 megawatts of power, equivalent to or more than the average of 1 thousand 180 megawatts of Beles, Gilgel Gibe I & II, and Tekeze power plants, the minister said.
However, considering their direction and the flow of water, it is difficult to put the exact figure of the power generation capacity of these five turbines right now, Habtamu underscored.
When the construction of the dam is completed, a total of 13 turbines will generate 5,150 megawatts of electricity to the national power grid, the minister said.
Thus, each turbine is expected to produce an average of more than 375 megawatts of power, he added.
It is to be remembered that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) launched electric power production from the second turbine of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on August 11, 2022 upon the completion of the 3rd filling of the dam’s water reservoir.
Recall that the Prime Minister also announced the successful filling of fourth and final round of the Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD) on September 10, 2023.