The commencement of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on April 2, 2011 dictates significant change on the ground which challenges the hydro political status quo of the Nile basin. The construction of the dam facilitates discussion among states of the region over the impacts of the dam and the possibilities of future utilization of the River. Thus, this study attempted to investigate the role of GERD for regional integration.
The researcher attempted to examine the role of GERD for regional integration in the Horn of Africa in view of challenges and prospects ahead. In addition, the study tried to analyze the role of GERD for maintaining peace and stability in the region and also its implications for Ethiopia. Methodologically, the research is based on a qualitative research approach. The study has used secondary sources. It also used primary data through in-depth interview with officials and experts from relevant institutions and authorities. The available sources are analyzed by using descriptive and explanatory research approaches.
The major findings of the study reveal that GERD will be a catalyst for regional integration in the Horn of Africa through providing energy interconnection and creating economic interdependence among states of the region. The findings in this paper also suggested that GERD will be a catalyst for maintaining peace and stability in the region by enhancing economic interdependence and cooperative utilization of Nile water resources. The findings also indicated that the construction of GERD has social, economic and political implications to Ethiopia. The study highlighted the prospects of GERD for regional integration. Among others, Sudanese support for the dam; the signing of declaration of principles of GERD and the intensification of infrastructural interconnections among states of the region are some of them.
Lastly, the study highlighted challenges ahead on GERD for regional integration. Among these mistrust among states of the region; the absence broader regulatory framework for hydropower trading; the nature of political regimes, and financial constraints for constructing the dam and also for establishing transmission grids are the most prominent ones. Generally, the findings of the study leads to the overall conclusion that GERD will foster regional integration through providing energy interconnection and economic interdependence among states of the region.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER-ONE
- INTRODUCTION
- 1.1. Background of the Study
- 1.2. Statement of the Problem
- 1.3. Objectives of the Research
- 1.4. Research Questions
- 1.5. Methodology and Methods of Data Collection
- 1.5.1. Methodology
- 1.5.2. Methods of Data Collection
- 1.6. Significance of the Study
- 1.7. Scope of the Study
- 1.8. Limitations of the Study
- 1.9. Organization of the Study
- CHAPTER-TWO
- LITERATURE REVIEW: CONCEPTUAL AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
- 2.1. Conceptual Framework
- 2.1.1. Conceptualizing Regional Integration
- 2.1.2. Levels of Regional Integration
- 2.1.3. Rationales for Regional Integration
- 2.2. Theoretical Framework
- 2.3. Literature Review
- 2.3.1. Global Experiences of Energy led Regional Integration
- 2.3.2. Energy Led Regional Integration in Africa
- 2.3.3. Energy Led Regional Integration in East and the Horn of Africa
- CHAPTER-THREE
- ETHIOPIA'S HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL AND CURRENT STATUS
- 3.1. Bird's Eye View of Hydropower
- 3.2. Ethiopia's Hydropower Potential
- 3.3. Historical Overview of Hydropower Development in Ethiopia
- 3.4. Recent Efforts Made and Being Made in Hydropower Development
- 3.5. Hydropower Dams Under Construction
- 3.5.1. Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
- 3.5.1.1. Historical and Technical Issues of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
- 3.6. Planned Hydropower Projects
- CHAPTER FOUR
- THE ROLE OF HYDROPOWER FOR REGIONAL INTEGRATION: THE CASE OF GRAND ETHIOPIAN RENAISSANCE DAM
- 4.1. The Role of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam for Regional Integration
- 4.2. The Role of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in Maintaining Peace and Stability of the Region
- 4.3. Implications of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam for Ethiopia
- 4.3.1. Social Implications
- 4.3.2. Economic Implications
- 4.3.3. Political Implications
- CHAPTER-FIVE
- PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF GRAND ETHIOPIAN RENAISSANCE DAM FOR REGIONAL INTEGRATION
- 5.1. Prospects of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam for Regional Integration
- 5.2. Challenges of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam for Regional Integration
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis examines the role of hydropower in regional integration, focusing specifically on the impact of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The research aims to analyze the potential of hydropower to promote regional integration, explore the implications of the GERD for peace and stability, and assess the social, economic, and political consequences of the dam for Ethiopia.
- Regional Integration and Hydropower
- The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and its Impact on Regional Integration
- The Role of GERD in Maintaining Peace and Stability
- Social, Economic, and Political Implications of GERD
- Prospects and Challenges of GERD for Regional Integration
Chapter Summaries
Chapter one introduces the research, outlining its background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, methodology, significance, scope, limitations, and organization. Chapter two explores the conceptual and theoretical framework, defining regional integration, its levels, rationales, and global and African experiences in energy-led regional integration.
Chapter three delves into Ethiopia's hydropower potential and current status, providing an overview of hydropower, its potential in Ethiopia, historical developments, recent efforts, dams under construction, and planned projects. Chapter four focuses on the role of GERD for regional integration, analyzing its potential for economic and social development and its impact on peace and stability in the region. It also discusses the implications of the GERD for Ethiopia in terms of its social, economic, and political dimensions.
Chapter five examines the prospects and challenges of GERD for regional integration, highlighting the opportunities and obstacles presented by the dam for promoting integration.
Keywords
This thesis examines key concepts such as regional integration, hydropower, energy security, peace and stability, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), social and economic development, and international relations. The study also analyzes the potential for energy-led regional integration in Africa, specifically in the East African region.
- Quote paper
- Getahun Kumie (Author), 2015, The Role of Hydropower for Regional Integration. The Case of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/346411
