Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project Summary
Project Overview
The Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project is a proposed hydropower development on the Abay River (Blue Nile) in Ethiopia, led by the Ministry of Water and Energy. This pre-feasibility study focuses on the Initial Environmental and Socio-economic Analysis (IESA).
Key Project Details
- Location: Mid-section of Abay River Valley, between Oromo and Amhara regions
- Dam Height: ~285 meters
- Reservoir Area: 403 kmĀ² at Full Supply Level (1062 masl)
- Reservoir Length: ~150 km
- Capacity: ~2100 MW (8 units)
- Mean Annual Flow: 650 mĀ³/s
Impact Zones
| Zone | Description | Key Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Impact Zone (DIZ) | Inundated valley and immediate project areas (426 kmĀ² land loss) | Habitat transformation, loss of woodland/riparian forest, changes to river continuum |
| Indirect Impact Zone | Downstream river reach to Khartoum + surrounding plateau | Hydrological changes, sediment transport alterations, socio-economic effects |
| Main Nile Valley | Below Khartoum confluence to Nile Delta | Minimal expected negative impacts, potential benefits for irrigation |
Environmental Baseline
Terrestrial Ecology
- 4 main vegetation types affected: Dry evergreen forest, Acacia-Commiphora woodland, Combretum-Terminalia woodland, Riverine vegetation
- Key fauna: Hippopotamus, crocodiles, leopard, various antelope species, Hardwood's francolin (VU)
- No rare/endemic plant species identified in reservoir area
Aquatic Ecology
- 24+ fish species recorded in Abay River section
- Dominant families: Cyprinidae (Barbus, Labeo) and Mormyridae
- Limited artisan fishing currently occurs
Socio-economic Aspects
- Population Affected: ~200,000 in reservoir kebeles (47 kebeles across 14 woredas)
- Ethnic Groups: Primarily Amhara and Oromo
- Livelihoods: Subsistence agriculture (sesame cash crop), livestock grazing, forest product collection
- Key Concerns: Loss of grazing land, restricted river crossings, loss of forest resources
Potential Impacts
| Category | Potential Impacts | Mitigation Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrology | Reduced wet season flow, increased dry season flow downstream | Environmental Flow Releases, coordinated reservoir management |
| Ecology | Habitat loss, blocked fish migration, reservoir eutrophication risk | Vegetation clearing pre-flooding, fisheries enhancement |
| Social | Loss of agricultural/grazing land, restricted mobility | Livelihood enhancement programs, improved boat transport |
| Downstream | Reduced sediment to Sudan/Egypt, irrigation benefits | Compensation flood studies, regional coordination |
Key Findings
- No resettlement required (no settlements in inundation zone)
- 4,000-5,000 households may be indirectly affected
- Positive regional benefits: flood control, irrigation water, reduced reservoir siltation downstream
- Preliminary environmental cost estimate: ~$35 million for mitigation/compensation
- Local consultations showed general support for project with mitigation concerns
Next Steps
A full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) will be required during the Feasibility Study phase, with more detailed impact analysis and mitigation planning.