Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed started up electricity production from the second turbine at its controversial mega-dam on the Blue Nile on Thursday, despite continuing objections by Egypt and Sudan over the project.
“We are generating power to support our economy and help millions of citizens get light,” said Ahmed, noting that his country does not have any intention to harm the downstream countries namely Sudan and Egypt.
Unit 10, which was inaugurated last February, is generating 270 MW of electricity. Combined, the two turbines will produce a total of 540 MW of electricity, it was noted.
The premier said works have been finalized to carry on the third filling of the dam with 22 billion-cubic-meters of water amid opposition from Sudan and Egypt.
Ethiopia, who views the huge project as a big boost to its development, argues that adding water to the reservoir, especially during the rainy season in July and August, is a natural part of construction.
“We are filling the dam in an extended period of time to avoid a decrease in the volume of water flowing to the downstream countries,” said the premier while calling for negotiation with Sudan and Egypt to reach consensus.
The primary purpose of GERD is electricity production to relieve Ethiopia’s acute energy shortage and for electricity export to neighboring countries.
MG/abj/APA