The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) supplied approximately 52% of Ethiopia’s electricity during the country’s latest fiscal year, according to Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP).
EEP chief executive Ashebir Balcha said GERD made the largest contribution to the more than 35,000GWh generated across Ethiopia during the year. This would put the hydropower project’s output at approximately 18,200GWh.
Balcha said the additional generation had strengthened electricity supplies for domestic industries and essential services, while providing a foundation for expanding Ethiopia’s regional power exports.
The project also contributed to EEP’s improved financial results. The state-owned utility recorded revenue of ETB124 billion and a net profit of ETB39.5 billion during the fiscal year, supported by increased output from GERD and other major generating assets.
Balcha described the completion and operation of GERD as an important milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to increase its generating capacity, improve energy security and support industrial development.
“The GERD has shown the world what Ethiopia can accomplish when its people work together toward a common goal,” he said.
EEP added that the project had helped Ethiopia develop the technical capacity required to deliver major infrastructure and could support the country’s growing role in regional electricity trading.
The utility said GERD’s significance extended beyond power production to Ethiopia’s wider ambitions for economic resilience, national development and regional energy integration.
