Ethiopia has recently announced the filling of its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) located in the Benishangul-Gumuz region near Sudan. The GERD, once known as the Millennium Dam, is positioned on the Blue Nile, a significant tributary of the Nile River. With a capacity of 6.45 Gigawatts, it will become Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant upon completion. This roller-compacted concrete gravity-type dam spans 1,780m in length and 145m in height, featuring two power stations, three spillways, and a saddle dam. The reservoir created by the dam will cover 1,875 square kilometers and hold 74 billion cubic meters of water. However, Egypt and Sudan have raised concerns, fearing that the dam’s filling will negatively impact their access to Nile water.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Blue Nile: The Blue Nile is a major tributary of the Nile River, originating in Ethiopia and contributing significantly to the flow of the Nile.
- Hydroelectric Power Plant: A facility that generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing or falling water, in this case, the GERD serves as a hydroelectric power plant.
- Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC): RCC is a type of concrete used in dam construction, characterized by a dry mix of cement, aggregates, and low water content, which is compacted using rollers.
- Saddle Dam: A secondary dam built to support or control the main dam’s reservoir, often used to regulate water levels and prevent overflow.
- Nile Water Dispute: Refers to the ongoing disagreement between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over the filling and operation of the GERD, primarily centered on concerns about the impact on the distribution of Nile River water resources.
