08 Nov 2009

The Headrace Tunnel breakthrough took place at 3pm local time in Ethiopia at the Beles site on the south-west shores of Lake Tana in the presence of the Minister of Mines and Energy HE Alemayehu Tegenu. This important event represents the completion of the 12km headrace tunnel an important milestone in the completion of the whole project.
The Beles Multipurpose Project draws water directly from Lake Tana. The water from Lake Tana is delivered through the Intake into the Headrace Tunnel.  The most underground powerhouse will have an installed power of 460MW.  The demand for energy in Ethiopia is on the increase. When completed, together with the power produced by the Gibe II power plant, Beles will increase the amount of energy in Ethiopia by 35%.