Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan signed an agreement finalizing and agreement on the two firms that will be carrying out studies assessing the impact of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam on the flow of the Nile, which both Sudan and Egypt rely on for water. Originally BRL and Deltares were contracted for the studies, however Deltares pulled out and Artelia was given the contract.
The leaders of the three countries signed a cooperation deal in Khartoum in March 2015 that paved the way for a joint approach to regional water supplies. The agreement came after talks between the foreign and water ministers of the three countries were extended for a third day.
The Grand Renaissance Dam is part of Ethiopia’s renewable energy program and will be used not only to power Ethiopia but will allow for the country to export power to neighboring countries.
Technical studies will start in February.