GERD will begin trial run during upcoming rainy season

Addis Ababa, May 19, 2021 (FBC) – The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will begin power generation trial run during the upcoming rainy season.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has today started consultation with representatives of various religious institutions and civic society organizations on GERD. On the occasion, it is stated that the dam will commence trial run during the Ethiopian rainy season.

650 km long transmission line has been built and synchronized with the national grid as part of the preoperational works, it is also indicated on the consultative meeting.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the construction of GERD has reached 80pct and the second filling of the dam will be carried out as per the time scheduled.

Dam’s reservoir will retain 13.5 billion cubic meter of water during the second filling there by increase the total volume of water held in the dam to 18.4 billion cubic meter, the Ministry explained.

Construction of civil works have surpassed 91pct while the electromechanical and hydro-structure works reached 54.5 and 55.2 percent respectively.

Completion of the dam will increase nation’s electric energy capacity from 73 kWh to 220 kWh.

“No force can disrupt the efforts underway to fill the dam and the process in line with filling and operation of the project” the Ministry stressed.

Representatives of the religious leaders and civic society organizations have pledge commitment to the successful completion of the dam.