The Gilgel Gibe 1 hydroelectric power plant reported that during the previous Ethiopian fiscal year, its staff conducted maintenance work to ensure the dam’s safety and maintain steady energy production.

Mr. Tamiru Legese, Head of the power plant’s maintenance department, stated that during the fiscal year, the maintenance team performed weekly and monthly preventive inspections, along with maintenance tasks aimed at forecasting and evaluating condition indicators.

He noted that maintenance activities were conducted on various components, including the turbines, the dam, the 15 kV line in the switchyard, the power plant’s drainage system, and the 15 kV switchgear panel.

Each of the three units at the power plant undergoes annual inspections, maintenance, and various upgrades.

Mr. Tamiru reported that the stolen water control and communication cables, the 15 kV line from the dam switchyard, and the five fallen towers have been repaired and are now back in operation.

He noted that the power plant’s maintenance staff carried out these tasks, which not only helped the institution save substantial costs but also provided the workers with the chance to gain new skills.

He explained that the maintenance activities conducted during the fiscal year have enhanced the safety of the power plant’s dam and improved the reliability of power production by optimizing operational efficiency.

Mr. Tamiru stated that efforts are underway to manage high power loads during the rainy season to prevent the dam from overflowing, while also balancing the power load in the summer to ensure the efficient use of the dam’s water resources.

The Gilgel Gibe 1 dam, which has a capacity of 184 megawatts, has been operational since 2002.