Ethiopia’s Koysha Dam Nears Completion

Key Figures & Findings: Ethiopia’s state-owned utility, Ethiopian Electric Power, has confirmed that the Koysha Hydropower Dam has reached 65% completion. Once finished, the project will generate up to 1,800 megawatts, positioning it among the largest energy infrastructure projects in the country’s history. Designed to support both national energy needs and regional power integration, the dam is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s plan to double its generation capacity by 2028. Government officials, including those from the Ministry of Water and Energy, noted that the dam’s artificial lake—spanning 200 square kilometers—will also drive economic diversification through tourism and community-based development.

Statistics & Insights: Koysha is part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to raise the total installed capacity from over 6,000 MW today to 13,000 MW by 2028. The dam taps into the nation’s immense hydropower potential—officially estimated at 45,000 MW—spread across eight river basins.

Future Implications: If completed on schedule, Koysha could significantly reduce Ethiopia’s power deficit and strengthen its ability to export electricity to neighboring countries by 2027. The multipurpose benefits—ranging from grid stability to tourism and agriculture—could improve livelihoods in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region over the next decade.

Source:  The Star