MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Ethiopia has turned a decisive page in its modern history with the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydroelectric project ever built in Africa. Conceived and executed by Webuild, the monumental structure marks a transformative milestone, positioning the country as a central actor in the continent’s green transition.
The official ceremony was attended by Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild, alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and several African heads of state who share Ethiopia’s vision of growth and unity. Commissioned by Ethiopian Electric Power, GERD stands as one of the most ambitious and technically advanced infrastructure projects undertaken globally in recent decades.
With an installed capacity exceeding 5,000 MW and an anticipated annual output of 15,700 GWh, the dam’s generation capacity is comparable to that of three mid-sized nuclear power plants. Its artificial reservoir, stretching 172 kilometers and capable of storing up to 74 billion cubic metres of water, makes GERD the largest hydroelectric undertaking in Africa. The engineering achievements are equally remarkable. The main dam, a gravity structure, rises 170 metres and spans 1,800 metres at the crest, incorporating 10.7 million cubic metres of concrete. It holds the continental record as the largest RCC (roller-compacted concrete) gravity dam by volume.
On December 28, 2014, the project set a world record by placing 23,000 cubic metres of RCC in just 24 hours — a testament to the unprecedented scale of its logistical and engineering prowess. Beyond its technical feats, GERD has reshaped the surrounding landscape, driving local economic and social development. Around the construction site, a new community has emerged, complete with a hospital, medical clinics, a school, sports facilities, a factory producing injera (Ethiopia’s traditional flatbread), and new road networks.
More than 25,000 workers—predominantly Ethiopian—contributed to the project, acquiring valuable expertise transferrable to future infrastructure ventures. The dam embodies a long-term vision of national progress, serving as both an energy source and a catalyst for socio-economic growth. Its strategic value also aligns with Italy’s Mattei Plan, promoted by the Meloni government, which seeks to involve Italian enterprises in transformative projects for African development. Webuild’s presence in Ethiopia spans more than 70 years, with 30 completed projects, particularly in hydropower. Landmark works include the Beles Multipurpose Project with its underground powerhouse, and the Gibe III dam on the Omo River, which at 250 metres was the tallest RCC dam in the world at the time of completion.
The company is currently building the Koysha dam, Ethiopia’s second-largest hydroelectric project after GERD, further accelerating the country’s energy transition. Globally, Webuild has established itself as a leader in sustainable infrastructure delivery, with 318 dams and hydroelectric plants built worldwide, representing a total capacity of 53,659 MW. Ongoing projects promise an additional 14,000 MW of installed capacity, set to provide affordable clean energy to millions while preventing 13 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
The inauguration of GERD underscores Webuild’s consistent capacity to deliver complex, large-scale projects. Since the start of this year alone, the group has finalized more than 10 projects across continents, including a strategic section of Interstate 275 in Florida (USA), the Monopoli-Fasano Hospital in Italy, and the Riachuelo environmental remediation project in Buenos Aires (Argentina).
– Webuild Press Office Photo –
(ITALPRESS).
