Ethiopia hydropower plant 'will fix shortage problems'

17 November 2009

Shortages in power supply in Ethiopia are to be tackled with the opening of a new hydropower plant in Tekeze, reports the Sudan Tribune.

The Tekeze Dam is the largest of its kind in Africa, with a 44 m concrete arch.

It is expected to allow the production of 300 MW of hydropower, almost a fifth of the country's total demand of 1,600 MW.

Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zenawi thanked those involved in the six-year construction project for their efforts.

He also stressed that the country's government is working to complete other hydropower projects in order to further address the shortage of power in the region.

Meanwhile, a coastal dam in Kinango, Kenya, is expected to help overcome a water shortage affecting three districts of the country.

Up to a million people could be provided with more reliable water supplies across Kinango, Mombasa and Kaloleni as a result, reports the Daily Nation.

Category: Energy