Row over Africa’s largest dam in danger of escalating, warn scientists

Row over Africa’s largest dam in danger of escalating, warn scientists

Argument over Africa’s largest dam

Researchers are warning that Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan need to move faster to resolve a long-running dispute over the building of Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam. Ethiopia is reported to have begun filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, on the Blue Nile river, which it says is an ‘existential necessity’. Ethiopia’s citizens are anticipating electric power, a boost for industry and new jobs. By contrast, Egypt’s government calls the dam an ‘existential threat’. It is concerned that the dam will reduce its water supplies, particularly during times of drought. “One nation’s need for electricity is pinned to another nation’s need for water,” says Mohamed Fouad, a member of the Egyptian parliament.

Nature | 5 min read