Tekezé Dam

Tekeze Dam
Location of Tekeze Dam in Ethiopia
Official name Tekeze Dam
Country Ethiopia
Location Tigray, Ethiopia
Coordinates 13°20′40″N 38°44′43″E / 13.34444°N 38.74528°E / 13.34444; 38.74528Coordinates: 13°20′40″N 38°44′43″E / 13.34444°N 38.74528°E / 13.34444; 38.74528
Status Operational
Construction began 1999
Opening date February 2009
Construction cost $360 million
Owner(s) Government of Ethiopia
Dam and spillways
Type of dam Arch dam
Impounds Tekeze River
Height 607 ft (185 m)
Length 2,329 ft (710 m)
Reservoir
Total capacity 9.0 km3 (7,300,000 acre·ft)
Power station
Turbines 4 x 75 MW (101,000 hp)
Installed capacity 300 MW (400,000 hp)

Tekezé Dam is a double-curvature arch dam in the northern Tigray region of Ethiopia. It is situated on the Tekezé River, a tributary of the Nile that flows through one of the deepest canyons in the world.

Overview

CWGS was contracted to build the Tekezé Dam. The hydroelectric project was completed in February 2009. Its final cost was $360 million, which was $136 million over budget. The dam was Ethiopia's largest public works project.[1] The dam helped to reduce power shortages as Ethiopia's power demand increases.

At the time of its completion, the 188 metres (617 ft) Tekezé Dam was Africa's largest arch dam.[2]

Tekeze Power Station

The powerhouse contains four 75 MW (101,000 hp) turbines,[2] generating 300 MW (400,000 hp) of electricity. A 105 kilometres (65 mi) transmission line connects it to the national grid at Mek'ele.[2]

References

  1. "Tekeze project inaugurated in Ethiopia". International Water Power & Dam Construction. 17 November 2009. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 "Hydro power in Ethiopia - the staged construction of Tekeze Arch Dam". International Water Power & Dam Construction. 11 May 2009. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
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