Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project Pre-Feasibility Study
Project Overview
The Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project is a proposed hydropower development on the Abay River (Blue Nile) in Ethiopia. This pre-feasibility study, conducted by NORPLAN and NORCONSULT in association with other firms, examines the technical, environmental, and socio-economic aspects of the project.
Key Project Details:
- Location: Mid-section of Abay River Valley, between Oromo and Amhara regions
- Dam Height: Approximately 285 meters
- Reservoir Size: 403 kmĀ² surface area, 150 km length
- Capacity: 2100 MW installed capacity
- Storage: 31.7 billion mĀ³ total capacity (17.4 billion mĀ³ active)
Environmental and Social Impact Zones
Direct Impact Zone (DIZ)
The area directly affected by the reservoir and project infrastructure:
- Inundated valley behind the dam (426 kmĀ² land loss)
- Drawdown zone between permanent flooding and maximum water level
- Altered river reach below the dam
- Ancillary works, roads, and transmission lines
Indirect Impact Zone
Secondary impacts in surrounding areas:
- Downstream river reach to Khartoum confluence
- Plateau surrounding the mid Abay Valley
Main Nile Valley (Tertiary Impact Zone)
Potential impacts downstream of Khartoum to Egypt
Environmental Baseline
Terrestrial Ecology
Four major vegetation types in the reservoir area:
- Dry evergreen afro-montane forest and grassland complex
- Acacia-Commiphora woodland
- Combretum-Terminalia woodland
- Riverine vegetation
Wildlife
Notable species in the project area:
- Mammals: Leopard, hippopotamus, various antelope species
- Birds: Hardwood's francolin (Vulnerable), endemic species
- Reptiles: Nile crocodile, monitor lizards
- Fish: Cyprinid genera Barbus and Labeo dominate
Socio-Economic Context
Affected Population
| Region | Woredas Affected | Population in Reservoir Kebeles | Total Population in Woredas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amhara | 7 | ~200,000 | >1.6 million |
| Oromia | 7 | ~200,000 | >1.6 million |
Livelihoods
- Subsistence agriculture dominates (cereals, pulses, oil seeds)
- Sesame is main cash crop in valley areas
- Livestock grazing (cattle, sheep, goats)
- Very low cash incomes (~795 birr/person/year in 2000)
Potential Environmental Impacts
Positive Impacts
- Increased dry season water availability downstream
- Reduced flood damage potential
- Potential for reservoir fisheries development
- Reduced sedimentation in downstream reservoirs
Negative Impacts
- Loss of 426 kmĀ² land (agro-pastoral, pastoral, sylvo-pastoral)
- Changes to river ecology and fish habitats
- Blockage of fish migration (though no significant migrations identified)
- Potential oxygen depletion in deep reservoir water
- Disruption of traditional river crossings and access
Mitigation and Compensation Measures
Key Mitigation Strategies
- Environmental Flow Releases (EFR) during construction and operation
- Clearing of vegetation before reservoir filling
- Fisheries development programs
- Alternative transportation solutions (boats/bridges)
- Livelihood enhancement programs
- Erosion control measures
Preliminary Cost Estimates
Total estimated cost for environmental mitigation and compensation: ~$35 million USD
Major cost components include livelihood safeguard programs, land compensation, health services, and conservation initiatives.
Consultation and Stakeholder Feedback
Consultations with local communities and authorities revealed:
- General support for the project's development benefits
- Concerns about loss of grazing land and forest resources
- Need for adequate compensation mechanisms
- Requests for alternative river crossing solutions
- Concerns about wildlife impacts
Next Steps
- Proceed to full Feasibility Study phase
- Conduct comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
- Develop detailed Environmental and Social Management Plan
- Further studies on hydrology, sediment transport, and downstream impacts
- Continued stakeholder engagement and consultation