Ethiopia’s 300-MW Tekeze hydroelectric project, the largest public works project in Ethiopia’s history, is complete, said Colorado-based MWH, the engineering and construction firm that oversaw the design and construction.

MWH began working on the US$350 million project in 1998. It is Africa’s tallest dam at 188-meters high and is expected to play a vital role in meeting the country’s growing demand for electricity.

“All challenges faced during more than 10 years of work on this project are outweighed by the increased quality of life for the Ethiopian people,” said Ralph Watt, project manager for MWH.

The hydroelectric plant is expected to improve reliability in a country that regularly imposes blackouts on its 80 million residents due to a shortage of power supplies. In August, the Tekeze plant generated power for the first time in a test run. (HydroWorld 8/24/09)

“The Tekeze hydropower plant is going to deliver immediate, significant and sustainable energy benefits for the people of Ethiopia,” said MWH President and Chief Operating Officer Alan Krause. “We are very proud to be involved in this project that combines our expertise in wet infrastructure and our mission to help build a better world.”