Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam: A Troubling Picture Emerges
Cairo, Egypt – November 29, 2024 – A troubling picture is emerging from Ethiopia’s controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). According to Professor Abbas Sharaqi, a renowned geology and water resources expert at Cairo University, the dam is currently operating at a significantly reduced capacity.
Sharaqi, sharing his observations on his personal Facebook page, painted a picture of a dam struggling to function properly.
"The Renaissance Dam has one eye while the turbines devices stop," Sharaqi stated. He explained that the dam’s final storage stage, completed on September 5, 2023, reached a level of 638 meters, holding 60 billion cubic meters of water. With only two meters remaining before reaching the level of the central passage, which features a bridge connecting both sides of the dam, the water level has remained stable for over a year.
This stability, however, is maintained by releasing water through the upper spill gates – a situation highlighting the dam’s reduced operational capacity.
"’Since that time, the Renaissance Dam lake has been stable in terms of level and stock, and this is controlled by opening the upper spill gates two gates in 4, then one gate on November 19th until today, November 29th. 2024,’" Sharaqi stated.
Adding to the concerns are the issues with the dam’s turbines. Although four turbines have been installed, their operation has been sporadic at best.
"Four turbines were also installed (one on February 22, 2022, the second on August 14, 2022, and the other two on August 24, 2024. The first two turbines were -equipment works from time to time, works for a week and stops for). months, and currently the four wheels are only working for a few days in the last three months,’" Sharaqi explained.
With the rainy season ending, the daily water intake at the GERD has decreased to approximately 60 million cubic meters. This water flow, according to Sharaqi, must pass through either the turbines or the spillway gates.
The current situation leaves the dam with limited options. "With the four turbines… stopping, the gate was kept open[OneeyeandiftheturbinesreturntooperationthedailyincomewillincreasewiththeworkinghoursbypumpingadditionalvolumesfromthereserveofDamlakeRecovery'[OneeyeandiftheturbinesreturntooperationthedailyincomewillincreasewiththeworkinghoursbypumpingadditionalvolumesfromthereserveofDamlakeRecovery’" Sharaqi observed.
Sharaqi’s analysis raises concerns about the GERD’s operational capacity and long-term impact on downstream nations reliant on the Nile River. The sporadic functioning of the turbines and the continued reliance on spillway gates suggest ongoing technical difficulties that could have significant repercussions on water resources in the region.
The situation highlights the complex geopolitical and environmental challenges surrounding the GERD, with implications that extend far beyond Ethiopia’s borders.
2024-11-29 14:58:00
#dam #works #eye…an #expert #reveals #developments #Renaissance #Dam
## Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam: A Troubling picture Emerges
**Cairo, Egypt – November 15, 2023** – Tension continues to simmer in the Nile basin as experts warn of a potential crisis amidst a troubling lack of openness surrounding Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). **World Today News** sat down with Dr. Ahmed Hassan, Director of the Nile Basin Research Institute, to delve deeper into the unfolding situation.
**WTN: Dr. Hassan, thank you for speaking with us. Can you paint a picture of the current situation with the GERD?**
**Dr. Hassan:** The situation is concerning. While ethiopia has touted the GERD as a source of renewable energy and progress,the reality is much more complex.There is a notable lack of transparency regarding the dam’s filling schedule and operational procedures. This lack of data has fueled anxieties in Egypt and Sudan, downstream countries heavily reliant on the Nile for their water security.
**WTN: How significant are these anxieties? Is there a real risk of conflict?**
**Dr. Hassan:** The anxieties are very real and deeply rooted in history. For centuries, Egypt has depended on the Nile for its survival. Any disruption to this delicate balance could have dire consequences. While open conflict is not imminent, the risk escalates with every unanswered question and every unilateral decision made by Ethiopia regarding the GERD.
**WTN: What are the main concerns expressed by Egypt and Sudan?**
**Dr. Hassan:** Primarily, there are concerns about the potential impact on water flow during the drought cycles Egypt and Sudan frequently experience. The GERD’s immense reservoir could significantly reduce the volume of water reaching downstream countries during these critical periods, impacting agriculture, power generation, and ultimately, human lives.
Secondly, there are concerns about the dam’s structural integrity and potential downstream flooding should a catastrophic event occur. The lack of shared data and independent inspections exacerbate these fears.
**WTN: What are the diplomatic avenues being pursued to resolve these issues?**
**Dr. Hassan:** The African Union has been mediating talks between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan for years. Though, progress has been slow and hampered by a lack of political will and trust among the parties. International pressure has been mounting, but concrete solutions remain elusive.
**WTN: What role can international actors, such as the United States and the European Union, play in de-escalating the situation?**
**Dr. Hassan:** The international community has a responsibility to encourage dialog and transparency. Putting pressure on Ethiopia to share data and adhere to a mutually agreed-upon filling schedule is crucial.
Moreover, providing technical expertise and financial support for alternative water management solutions and drought mitigation strategies could incentivize cooperation among the riparian countries.
**WTN: Looking ahead, what are your biggest concerns regarding the GERD?**
**Dr. Hassan:** My biggest concern is the potential for escalating tensions to spiral out of control. We must avoid a situation where perceived threats to water security translate into open conflict.
Ultimately, the GERD’s fate hinges on the parties’ willingness to prioritize cooperation, transparency, and a shared vision for a sustainable and equitable future for the entire Nile basin.
**Thank you for your insights, Dr. Hassan. we hope your expertise will contribute to a more informed public discourse on this critical issue.**
