The Power Generation Operations sector of Ethiopian Electric Power reported that over the past 10 months of the 2016 fiscal year, the GERD, operating with two turbines, has generated 26 percent more electricity than originally anticipated.

Ms. Tiruwork Shiferau, the manager of the sector’s planning office, noted that the dam was expected to generate 2,152.8 GWh of electricity over the past ten months. However, it actually produced 2,711 GWh, surpassing the forecast by 26 percent.

According to the manager’s statement, the dam has improved its water retention, and both turbines are now operating at maximum capacity to generate power.

Ms. Tiruwork mentioned that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam accounted for 16 percent of the total 16,900 GWh of electricity planned for production over the last ten months.

The dam is currently generating power with two turbines, each having a capacity of 375 MW. Ethiopia’s current generation capacity is expected to increase by 83 percent once the remaining 11 units of the dam become operational.

Once completed, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project will have the capacity to generate 5,150 megawatts and produce an annual energy output of 15,760 GWh.