1. Awards & Honors

2020 POWER Top Plant Award — Renewable Energy

In 2020, the Genale-Dawa III Hydropower Project was featured by a leading U.S. trade publication in the power industry. POWER Magazine “2020 POWER Top Plant” Award-winning projects in the renewable energy category.

POWER Magazine named it a Top Plant project in the 2020 Renewables category; the project’s engineering consultancy, Stantec, also explicitly noted that Genale-Dawa III was awarded POWER Magazine’s Annual Top Plant honor for renewable energy.

2. Project Background

Gnale-Dawa 3 Hydropower Station, in English is Genale-Dawa III Hydropower Project / Genale Dawa III Hydropower Plant (GD-3) , located in southern Ethiopia Genale-Dawa River Basin According to data from POWER Magazine, the project is located along a section of the Dawa River, approximately… from the capital, Addis Ababa. 630 km。

The project owner and operator are Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP, Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation) . As of 2026, EEP still lists Genale Dawa III among its operational hydropower plants, with an installed capacity of 254 MW。

Power plant installation Three 84.7 MW vertical Francis mixed-flow turbine-generator units , total installed capacity 254 MW The core generating units are housed in a large underground powerhouse. Stantec provides EPC contract management consulting and related technical services for the project.

According to the announcement issued by Ethiopia’s energy regulatory authority, Ethiopian Energy Sector Brief 2026 , Genale-Dawa III is currently an operating hydropower station, with an officially reported average annual generation of 1,950.5 GWh/year, or approximately 1.9505 billion kWh/year , with a commissioning year of 2020.

The main structure of the project adopts Concrete-Faced Rockfill Dam (CFRD) + Long-Distance Water-Intake Tunnel + Underground Powerhouse Overall development plan. According to Stantec’s technical documentation, the dam height is approximately 110 m , the crest length is approximately 456 m , the rockfill volume is approximately 3.22 million m³ 。

The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported in its 2020 operational update that the project’s reservoir has a storage capacity of approximately… 2.5 billion m³ , the total project investment is approximately US$451 million , the construction is undertaken by **China Gezhouba Group**. Project financing comprises a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China and funds provided by the Ethiopian government.

The project was on Launched and implemented around 2010. , and then The commissioning ceremony was officially held on February 4, 2020. , attended by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who also announced the project’s commissioning.

3. Engineering Challenges

3.1 Construction of a 110-m-Class Concrete-Faced Rockfill Dam

The project’s main structure is a large concrete-face rockfill dam.

Stantec and POWER Magazine have publicly released technical data indicating that the dam is approximately 110 m , the crest length is approximately 456 m , the rockfill volume is approximately 3.22 million m³ 。

For large CFRD projects, the quality of rockfill materials, zoned placement, layer-by-layer compaction, control of dam deformation, and the impermeability of the concrete face slab and its peripheral joints all directly affect the safe operation after impoundment.

The project also involves the construction of a large-scale flood‑discharge system, requiring coordinated management of normal reservoir impoundment, reservoir flood operations, and dam safety.

3.2 Construction of a 12.4 km-long, large-section water diversion tunnel

One of the most representative engineering challenges at the Gnalai-Dawa 3 Hydropower Station is the construction of an exceptionally long water diversion tunnel.

According to technical data from POWER Magazine, the headrace tunnel is approximately 12.4 km , approximately in diameter 8.1 m 。

Among them, approximately 8.9 km constructed using a TBM tunneling machine. , while the remaining sections employ the conventional drill-and-blast method and must pass through extremely hard granite strata.

Long-distance, large‑cross‑section tunnels place stringent demands on geological ahead-of‑the‑face prediction, continuous TBM excavation, equipment maintenance, construction ventilation, muck removal and transportation, surrounding rock support, and lining quality.

3.3 The combined construction method of TBM and drill-and-blast is organizationally complex.

The project does not rely on a single tunneling method; instead, it employs a combination of techniques tailored to the specific surrounding rock conditions and construction circumstances. TBM Mechanical Tunneling and Drill-and-Blast Method 。

This construction organization requires accurate assessment of the surrounding rock conditions, as well as effective management of transitions between different construction methods, support systems, schedule coordination, and underground logistics.

For hydraulic tunnels exceeding 10 km in length, the reliability of TBM equipment and long-distance logistical support are also critical factors that influence the construction schedule.

3.4 Construction of Deep Shafts and High-Pressure Water Transmission Systems

The downstream section of the water diversion tunnel connects to a large surge tank and a high-pressure penstock.

According to data from POWER Magazine, water flows through approximately 120-m-high surge shaft/surge chamber Afterward, enter approximately 188-m-deep concrete-lined vertical shaft Subsequently, the water flows through a concrete-lined pressure tunnel, a steel-lined penstock, and a bifurcation pipe into the underground powerhouse.

Construction of deep shafts and high-pressure water tunnels presents multiple challenges, including high hydraulic pressures, lining quality, steel liner installation, joint waterproofing, and construction safety.

3.5 Large Underground Powerhouse and Mechanical & Electrical Installation

All three 84.7 MW vertical Francis turbine‑generator units of the project are installed in underground caverns, with the main transformers housed in an adjacent underground cavern and connected to the surface switchyard via a cable system.

Construction of underground powerhouse facilities requires addressing challenges such as the stability of surrounding rock in large caverns, excavation and support, groundwater control, concrete structure construction, and the transportation and installation of heavy electromechanical equipment.

Precise commissioning and grid connection among the turbine, generator, main transformer, control and protection systems, and the high-voltage transmission system must also be completed.

3.6 Resettlement and Environmental Management

Following the formation of the project’s reservoir, substantial land-use changes will occur over a wide area.

According to Stantec’s public records, the project conducted a systematic environmental impact assessment and involved approximately… Relocation and resettlement of 730 households ; According to data from POWER Magazine, the reservoir’s inundation area is approximately 115 km² 。

The Ethiopian News Agency also reported that, during the project’s construction, work was suspended for more than a year due to issues such as the resettlement of local residents.

Accordingly, in addition to the civil engineering and MEP technical challenges, the project also requires coordination among reservoir impoundment, environmental management, land use, and community resettlement.

4. Houde Material Solutions

For hydropower stations like the Gnalai-Dawa No. 3, such as… Concrete-faced rockfill dam + ultra-long diversion tunnel + deep vertical shafts + underground powerhouse “Large-scale hydropower projects—Houde’s material solutions can focus on” Durability and crack resistance of hydraulic concrete, rapid support for underground structures, seepage control and waterproofing, and grouting for large‑scale equipment foundations. Expand.

Hydraulic concrete

In response to the requirements for construction performance, crack resistance, and long-term durability of intake structures, spillway structures, underground powerhouse facilities, and other hydraulic concrete works, an appropriate mix design can be tailored in accordance with the Hode formulation:

Polycarboxylate superplasticizer (retarding type), high-performance mineral admixtures, and expansive agents for hydraulic concrete

It is used to enhance the workability and compactness of concrete, while ensuring the long-term durability and volumetric stability of hydraulic structures.

Rapid Support for Hydraulic Tunnels

For shotcrete construction in long-distance water diversion tunnels and underground caverns spanning 12.4 km, the thickness of the shotcrete layer can be tailored to suit the surrounding rock classification and the shotcrete mix design:

Alkali-free rapid-setting agent

Used for rapid setting and early support of shotcrete.

Seepage Control and Waterproofing for Underground Structures

In response to the seepage‑control requirements for construction joints and expansion joints in tunnels, underground powerhouse structures, and hydraulic engineering works, appropriate thicknesses can be selected based on the structural design:

Polymer waterstop

Used for waterstop and seepage control at joints in hydraulic underground structures.

Foundations for Units and Large-Scale Equipment

For the installation of large equipment such as hydro-turbine generator sets and main transformers, as well as for secondary grouting of foundations, Houdé can be customized to meet design requirements.

High-strength non-shrink grouting material

Used for high-strength, stable grouting between equipment baseplates and concrete foundations.

All of the above products are sourced from Houde Official Product Catalog , which falls under the category of technical compatibility among similar engineering materials, and does not serve as evidence of an actual supply relationship for the Gernaile-Dawa 3 Hydropower Station.

5. Technical Solution

5.1 Concrete-Faced Rockfill Dam Scheme

The project adopts Concrete-Faced Rockfill Dam (CFRD) 。

The dam body relies on a large rockfill structure to carry the primary loads, while the upstream concrete face slab serves as the impermeable barrier.

The technical data from Stantec indicates a dam height of approximately 110 m , the crest length is approximately 456 m , the volume of rock fill is approximately 3.22 million m³ 。

This scheme makes full use of local stone resources while being well-suited to the construction of large-scale reservoir projects at canyon-type dam sites.

5.2 High-Capacity Flood Discharge System

The project includes a controlled spillway.

According to data from POWER Magazine, the spillway system comprises a curved weir and approximately… 250-m-long spillway chute and the flow-deflection energy‑dissipation structure, with a maximum design flood‑discharge capacity of approximately 1,880 m³/s 。

Flood-discharge facility arrangement 3 radial gates , used to regulate reservoir water levels and manage flood releases.

5.3 Diversion System During Construction

During dam construction, a dedicated diversion tunnel was used to control the river flow.

The diversion tunnel is approximately 500 m , cross-section approximately 9 m × 7 m , with a designed current-carrying capacity of approximately 813 m³/s 。

By means of construction diversion, dry‑land working conditions are established for the construction of the main dam foundation, dam body filling, and spillway structures.

5.4 12.4 km water diversion tunnel + TBM construction

The power station’s intake is located on the left bank upstream of the dam.

An intake structure approximately 60 m high directs the water flow into… A water diversion tunnel 12.4 km long with an approximate diameter of 8.1 m. 。

Of this, approximately 8.9 km was excavated using TBM mechanized long‑distance tunneling, while the remaining section was completed by drill-and-blast methods.

This is one of the project’s most representative underground engineering technologies.

5.5 Surge Shaft + Deep Vertical Shaft + Pressure Pipeline

A large surge tank system is installed downstream of the water diversion tunnel to mitigate water hammer and pressure fluctuations caused by changes in unit load.

The water flow then enters approximately 188-m deep shaft , and then flows through the horizontal pressure waterway, the steel-lined penstock, and the bifurcation system into the turbine unit.

This layout leverages the project’s natural topography to generate the necessary head for power generation, while locating a substantial portion of the hydraulic structures underground.

5.6 Underground powerhouse with three 84.7 MW generating units

Underground Plant Installation Three 84.7 MW vertical Francis turbine-generator units , total installed capacity 254 MW。

The project’s turbine‑generator units and power‑generation equipment were manufactured and installed with the participation of Chinese enterprises. The main transformers are housed in an adjacent underground cavern, and the electrical power is transmitted via cables to a surface switchyard.

5.7 Tailwater System

After generating electricity, the water discharged from the turbine returns to the river channel via an underground tailrace system.

The tailwater system documented by POWER Magazine comprises approximately A tailrace tunnel 768 m long and 6.7 m in diameter and approximately A 480-meter-long open channel 。

This establishes a complete hydraulic system, ranging from water intake at the reservoir, conveyance through a long tunnel, underground power generation, to the return of tailwater to the river channel.

6. Project Outcomes

6.1 Completion of a 254 MW large-scale clean energy project

Total installed capacity of the Gnarale-Dawa 3 Hydropower Station 254 MW。

In 2026, Ethiopia’s energy authorities continue to include it in the national roster of operational hydropower stations, indicating that the project has entered its long-term operational phase.

6.2 Officially commissioned in February 2020

February 4, 2020 Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially inaugurated the Genale-Dawa III hydropower project.

At that time, the project’s civil and MEP works had already undergone testing and were ready for power generation.

6.3 The official average annual power generation is approximately 1.9505 billion kWh.

According to the latest 2026 energy sector data from Ethiopia’s energy regulatory authority, the average annual generation capacity of Genale-Dawa III is listed as 1,950.5 GWh/year , that is, approximately 1.9505 billion kWh/year 。

This data may serve as the official, priority metric currently used on the company’s website to report project energy generation.

6.4 Enhancing Regional Clean Power Supply

Stantec has positioned the project as a key hydropower initiative to enhance Ethiopia’s capacity to deliver clean, renewable energy, noting that its commissioning will help improve local electricity reliability.

Upon completion, the project will become one of the key hydropower sources in Ethiopia’s national power system.

6.5 Possesses both irrigation and comprehensive water resource utilization value

Genale-Dawa III is not solely a power-generation project.

According to publicly available information from Stantec, the project’s reservoir can also serve as a water resource reserve and is designed to support approximately… 15,000 hectares Agricultural irrigation: At the time of commissioning, the Ethiopian authorities explicitly highlighted the project’s role in advancing irrigation development and supporting the local fisheries sector.

6.6 Providing flow regulation conditions for downstream cascade hydropower development

Prior to the project’s commissioning, EEP publicly stated that the Genale-Dawa III Dam would regulate downstream river flows and support the planned… Genale-Dawa V and Genale-Dawa VI To provide more stable flow conditions for downstream projects.

This makes GD-3 not only an independent power station but also a key regulating node in the Genale-Dawa River Basin’s cascade hydropower development system.

6.7 Conduct local technical training and knowledge transfer

During the project implementation phase, Stantec provided EPC contract management consulting and carried out knowledge transfer, on-site training, mentorship, and professional classroom-based training.

These efforts have helped EEP’s technical and management personnel build expertise in the construction and operation of large hydropower projects.

7. Key Figures

Installed capacity, operating status, and average annual generation are based on the latest publicly available data from Ethiopia’s energy regulatory authority (EEP); dam, tunnel, and underground conduit designs primarily draw on technical documentation from Stantec and POWER Magazine; investment costs and commissioning timelines are sourced from the Ethiopian News Agency.

8. Value to China & Ethiopia

8.1 Value to Ethiopia

First, the Genale-Dawa III Hydropower Station has increased Ethiopia’s… 254 MW of installed clean hydropower capacity 。

According to the latest 2026 data from Ethiopia’s energy regulatory authority, the project’s average annual power generation is approximately 1,950.5 GWh/year , providing a continuous supply of renewable energy to the national power system.

Second, the project has enhanced the power supply capacity in the southern region.

The development of large-scale hydropower resources helps expand regional electricity coverage and enhance the reliability of power supply for industrial, commercial, and residential users.

Third, the project has value in the integrated utilization of water resources.

In addition to power generation, the project’s reservoir also serves purposes such as water resource storage and agricultural irrigation, while creating favorable conditions for the development of local fisheries. Publicly available information indicates that its designed irrigation‑support capacity is approximately… 15,000 hectares 。

Fourth, the project lays the foundation for flow regulation in the subsequent cascade hydropower development within the Genale–Dawa River Basin.

GD-3 can regulate downstream flow, providing more stable hydrological conditions for subsequent hydropower developments such as Genale-Dawa V and VI.

8.2 Value to China

The Genale-Dawa III Hydropower Station is one of the flagship projects showcasing Chinese engineering firms’ participation in Ethiopia’s large-scale hydropower development.

The project is undertaken by China Gezhouba Group undertakes the EPC construction, with project scope encompassing a 110‑m‑class concrete‑faced rockfill dam, a 12.4‑km large‑cross‑section water diversion tunnel, long‑distance TBM tunneling, deep vertical shafts, an underground powerhouse, and large hydroelectric turbine‑generator units. , demonstrating the comprehensive capabilities of Chinese enterprises in undertaking large-scale, complex underground hydropower projects overseas.

The project also involves Chinese hydropower equipment manufacturers and Chinese financial institutions, fostering China–Egypt infrastructure cooperation across multiple dimensions, including construction, equipment supply, and financing.

From the perspectives of Houde’s brand communication and materials technology, Genale-Dawa III exhibits a very typical “ Concrete-faced rockfill dam + ultra-long hydraulic tunnel + underground powerhouse Material application scenarios.

With respect to similar large-scale overseas hydropower projects, Houde can… Polycarboxylate superplasticizer (retarding type), high-performance mineral admixtures, expansive agents for hydraulic concrete, alkali-free rapid-setting agent, polymer waterstop strips, and high-strength non-shrink grouting material. A comprehensive product portfolio that provides material solutions for hydraulic concrete, underground tunnel support, waterproofing and water-stopping, as well as the installation of foundations for electromechanical equipment.

Key Data of the Genale-Dawa III Hydropower Station in Ethiopia

Project Name: Genale-Dawa III Hydropower Project

Project Abbreviation: GD-3

Country: Ethiopia

River Basin: Genale-Dawa River Basin

River location: Dawa River

Distance from Addis Ababa: Approximately 630 km

Owner/Operator: Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP)

Total installed capacity: 254 MW

Crew configuration: 3 × 84.7 MW vertical Francis turbine-generator units

2026 official average power generation: 1,950.5 GWh/year / approximately 1.9505 billion kWh

Dam type: Concrete-Faced Rockfill Dam (CFRD)

Dam height: Approximately 110 m

Dam crest length: Approximately 456 m

Rockfill volume: Approximately 3.22 million m³

Reservoir capacity: Approximately 2.5 billion m³

Reservoir inundation area: Approximately 115 km²

Water diversion tunnel: Approximately 12.4 km

Water diversion tunnel diameter: Approximately 8.1 m

TBM construction: Approximately 8.9 km

Pressure-regulating facilities: Approximately 120 m

Deep shaft: Approximately 188 m

Tailrace Tunnel: Approximately 768 m

Tailwater Open Channel: Approximately 480 m

Maximum flood discharge capacity: Approximately 1,880 m³/s

Project Investment: Approximately US$451 million

Project Initiation: Around 2010

Officially put into operation: February 4, 2020

EPC Contractor: China Gezhouba Group

EPC Contract Management Consulting: Stantec

Current status: Already built and in operation

Representative honors: 2020 POWER Top Plant Award — Renewable Energy

Suitable application areas for Hode Materials: Polycarboxylate superplasticizer (retarding type), high-performance mineral admixtures, expansive agents for hydraulic concrete, alkali-free rapid-setting agent, polymer waterstop strips, and high-strength non-shrink grouting material.

FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where is the Gnalai-Dawa 3 Hydropower Station located?

The Gnarale-Dawa 3 Hydropower Station is located at Genale-Dawa River Basin in Southern Ethiopia The project’s dam is constructed on a section of the Dawa River, approximately 630 km from the capital, Addis Ababa.

Q2: What is the installed capacity of the Gnalé-Dava 3 Hydropower Station?

The total installed capacity of the power station is 254 MW , install Three 84.7 MW vertical Francis turbine-generator units 。

Q3: How much electricity does the Genaile-Dawa 3 Hydropower Station generate in a year?

According to the announcement issued by Ethiopia’s energy regulatory authority, Ethiopian Energy Sector Brief 2026 , the average power generation of Genale-Dawa III is 1,950.5 GWh/year, or approximately 1.9505 billion kWh/year 。

Q4: When will the Gernaile-Dawa 3 Hydropower Station be commissioned?

The project was on The commissioning ceremony was officially held on February 4, 2020. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the event and announced the project’s commissioning.

Q5: How tall is the dam of the Gnarale-Dawa 3 Hydropower Station?

The project employs a concrete-face rockfill dam, and technical documentation from Stantec and POWER Magazine indicates a dam height of approximately 110 m , the crest length is approximately 456 m。

Q6: What is the project’s most significant underground structure?

The project construction includes a road. A water diversion tunnel 12.4 km long with a diameter of 8.1 m. , of which approximately 8.9 km was constructed using TBM.

Following the water diversion system, the project also encompasses a large surge tank, an approximately 188-meter-deep vertical shaft, a high-pressure penstock, and an underground powerhouse, making it one of the most representative engineering systems of the entire project.

Q7: Who built the Gernaile-Dava 3 Hydropower Station?

The EPC construction of the project is undertaken by China Gezhouba Group, while Stantec provides EPC contract management consulting and related technical services.

Q8: What awards has the project received?

Genale-Dawa III selected 2020 POWER Top Plant Award Award-winning projects in the renewable energy category.

Both POWER Magazine and Stantec have clear, publicly available records.

Q9: Besides power generation, what other functions does the Genaile-Dawa 3 serve?

The project also serves as a water resource reserve, supports agricultural irrigation, and regulates the watershed.

According to Stantec’s data, the project design can accommodate approximately 15,000 hectares Agricultural land receives irrigation support; EEP also notes that the dam can regulate downstream flows, thereby creating more stable hydrological conditions for subsequent cascade projects in the Genale-Dawa basin.

Q10: Which of Houde’s products are suitable for large-scale hydropower stations of the same type?

For projects of the same type as Genale-Dawa III—namely, “embankment rockfill dams combined with long-distance hydraulic tunnels and underground powerhouse facilities”—Houde can be recommended based on the specific construction sections. Polycarboxylate superplasticizer (retarding type), high-performance mineral admixtures, expansive agents for hydraulic concrete, alkali-free rapid-setting agents, polymeric waterstops, and high-strength non-shrink grouting materials. 。

Among these, the first three categories address the workability, long-term durability, and crack‑control requirements of hydraulic concrete; alkali‑free rapid‑setting admixtures are suitable for the rapid shotcrete support of tunnels and underground chambers; polymeric waterstops are designed to prevent seepage at joints in underground hydraulic structures; and high‑strength, non‑shrink grouting materials are ideal for grouting foundations of hydroelectric turbine‑generator sets and large equipment.