Ethiopia Expands Power Exports to Four Neighbours With GERD

Ethiopia is using electricity from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, GERD, to supply four neighbouring countries as it expands its place in the regional power market.

The Ethiopian Electric Power, EEP, said the country now exports electricity to Kenya, Djibouti, Sudan and Tanzania through the Eastern Africa Power Pool.

EEP Chief Executive Officer Ashebir Balcha disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency in Addis Ababa.

He said Tanzania was the most recent country to join the group of nations receiving Ethiopian electricity.

The development has given Ethiopia a larger electricity market outside its borders and increased energy cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Balcha said GERD accounts for 52 per cent of Ethiopia’s total electricity export revenue. The country’s electricity export earnings have also passed $500 million.

The dam has also contributed to domestic electricity revenue, which has exceeded 124 billion birr.

GERD supplies regional power network

Ethiopia’s electricity is supplied to neighbouring countries through the Eastern Africa Power Pool, a system that allows countries in the region to exchange electricity.

Balcha said Ethiopia provides clean, renewable and competitively priced electricity to the countries connected to its export network.

The supply to Tanzania gives Ethiopia another destination for its electricity outside its established markets in Kenya, Djibouti and Sudan.

Balcha said the expansion was helping regional energy cooperation and integration in the Horn of Africa and other connected areas.

He also linked GERD to a major change in Ethiopia’s electricity production capacity.

“The dam is far more than an infrastructure project,” Ashebir said. “It is a transformative milestone that has effectively doubled the country's power generation capacity and delivered a major boost to the national economy.”

He said the project had also improved the financial position of Ethiopian Electric Power during the concluded fiscal year.

The utility changed from carrying a debt burden to becoming a profitable institution and recorded its highest revenue, he said.

GERD also has a water management function beyond electricity production.

Balcha said the dam helps regulate river flow and provides a more stable and predictable water supply downstream to Sudan and Egypt.

The development gives the dam importance in both Ethiopia’s electricity system and its relations with countries that depend on the river.

Utility prepares for uninterrupted supply

Ethiopian Electric Power is also preparing its network for the holiday season, with domestic electricity supply still a major part of its work.

EEP said it is working with the Ethiopian Electric Utility on joint inspections of power lines and maintenance of operational readiness.

The two institutions are also working to ensure uninterrupted electricity for households and industries nationwide during the period.

The utility has created an annual Excellence Day to recognise workers and teams involved in its operations.

September 9, or Pagumen 4 on the Ethiopian calendar, was selected for the event because it is the anniversary of GERD’s inauguration.

Outstanding employees, teams and project operators were recognised for innovation, dedication and contributions to the utility’s performance during the year.

Balcha also described GERD as a “Second Adwa”, linking the project to Ethiopia’s history of national unity and determination.

Adwa is remembered in Ethiopia as a historic victory over colonial forces. It has since become a symbol of national pride, unity and resistance.

The dam’s significance now extends from electricity production to the sale of power outside Ethiopia, improved utility finances and cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Balcha said he hoped the Ethiopian New Year would bring prosperity and joy to the Ethiopian people.