As the twilight of December 9, 2024, descends, the global community holds its collective breath, fixated on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is grappling with operational hurdles. Dr. Abbas Sharaqi, a distinguished geologist from Cairo University, has illuminated the dam’s current predicament, disclosing that the daily water inflow is a mere fraction of what is required for full functionality.
According to Dr. Sharaqi, the dam’s daily intake has dwindled to less than 50 million cubic meters, a significant drop that primarily originates from Lake Tana and sporadic rainfall. This paltry volume is insufficient to energize more than one of the four turbines that were anticipated to be operational, casting a shadow over the dam’s potential to generate the promised electricity.
The GERD, a symbol of Ethiopia’s ambition to become a regional energy hub, has faced a series of setbacks, including disputes over water rights with downstream countries Egypt and Sudan. The dam’s reservoir, which was designed to hold a vast 74 billion cubic meters of water, is now struggling to maintain a critical level for its turbines to function effectively.
Dr. Sharaqi’s insights underscore the critical situation, emphasizing that the reduced water flow is a direct outcome of the ongoing drought conditions in the region. The lack of rainfall has significantly impacted the Blue nile, the primary source of water for the GERD, leading to a situation where the dam’s operational capacity is severely compromised.
The implications of the GERD’s operational challenges extend beyond Ethiopia’s borders, affecting the broader geopolitical landscape of the region. The dam’s reduced capacity to generate electricity could impact the energy security of neighboring countries, which were counting on the GERD to alleviate their power shortages.
As the world watches, the future of the GERD hangs in the balance, with the potential for further diplomatic tensions if the water flow does not improve. The situation highlights the delicate balance between ambitious infrastructure projects and the unpredictable forces of nature, particularly in regions prone to drought.
For now, the focus remains on finding solutions to ensure the dam’s viability, while addressing the concerns of all stakeholders. The GERD’s journey, fraught with challenges, serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in harnessing the power of nature for human progress.
In a comprehensive update on his Facebook page, Engineer Sharaqi detailed the intricate management of the dam’s spillway gates to regulate water levels.As the September rains poured down,three to four of the six upper spillway gates were cautiously opened to handle the increased water flow. With the rain’s retreat, the number of open gates was scaled back to two on november 4th, and then further reduced to a single gate on November 19th. Though, on December 9th, an additional gate was activated, boosting the daily discharge to a significant 100-150 million cubic meters, even in the absence of rainfall.
Sharaqi’s post underscores the meticulous approach to managing the dam’s water levels, a critical task that requires constant monitoring and adjustment. The decision to open more gates in the absence of rain highlights the complex balancing act between maintaining safety and ensuring the efficient operation of the dam.
The image above, taken during the peak of the rainy season, illustrates the dam’s spillway in action, with water cascading over the gates.this visual depiction of the dam’s operational capacity provides a vivid reminder of the engineering marvel that is crucial for flood control and power generation in the region.
