Gilgel Gibe III started trial production of electric power yesterday, August 11, 2015, as the turbines installed began receiving water.

Alemayehu Tegenu, Water, Irrigation and Energy Minister told Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC) yesterday the dam stored water that enables it to begin trail production.

Installation of turbines for the 1,870 megawatt power plant is being carried out. The plant will have 10 turbines that generate 187 megawatt each.

Alemayehu noted, of the turbines, three are ready for power production and the fourth is also nearing completion.

If the trail is successful, Gibe III will start generating 500 megawatt electricity this month, if not September, he said.

All turbines will begin power production if adequate water is stored until the coming December, he added.

Gibe III is the largest hydropower plant in Ethiopia. The project begun five years ago with 1.8 billion USD and now it is 98 % complete.

Source: Fana Broadcasting Corporate