Pathway 3: Harnessing forecasts to predict and improve dam operations It could change its seasonal operation by storing more water during the summer in lieu of historically releasing water during the high flow season (June through September). In a recent study, we proposed an adaptive approach for the High Aswan Dam. In particular it needs to know how the High Aswan Dam will have to adapt its operation to impending challenges.

It is important therefore for Egypt to understand what changes GERD will bring to its water security. A lack of provision to adapt to GERD filling and operations will make inflow less predictable. Its operation is based on the assumption that most of the Blue Nile flow will contribute to its power production and water supply. The High Aswan Dam is known as the faucet that controls the only source of surface water in Egypt. In turn this will help them make more informed decisions about a wide array of water management issues. It will supply them with timely information about dam operations. The success of this satellite-based framework will have significant implications for policy makers. More often than not neighbouring countries donвЂ™t share reservoir operating policies or storage plans. This challenge is particularly evident in transboundary rivers shared between developing nations.

This offers the opportunity to overcome the challenge of data sharing among Nile countries. Pathway 1: Monitoring dam operation from space: In one of my studies, we explored the integration of hydrological modelling with the satellite earth observations over the Nile basin as a way to monitor the operation of dams. How can we take advantage of the existing models and data to build an operational system that supports decision making in the Nile river basin? What is the value of streamflow forecasts in improving High Aswan Dam operation? How can the High Aswan Dam adapt its operation to the filling and operation of the GERD? The pathways introduced in my PhD research answer the following questions:Д¬an satellite observations with hydrologic modelling be used to understand dam operation in the Nile River Basin? My work focused on the High Aswan Dam and GERD as typical paradigms of large hydropower dams in a transboundary basin. Countries having this data, and sharing it with their neighbours would be a game changer. They are informed by the insight that a lack of data вЂ“ such as operating policy or storage plans вЂ“ hinders the management and operation of reservoirs. My findings shed light on different pathways that could curtail the challenges imposed by GERD while ensuring the development goals of all countries. And it aspires to project the power of Ethiopia on Nile water sharing.Д«eyond the escalated tensions and the complexity of politics among the Nile countries, a key question is: what effects will GERD have on securing the future water supply in the Nile basin and the region? Thus, the GERD project challenges EgyptвЂ™s historical hegemonic position on the Nile basin. With a population of more than 100 million it is singularly dependent on the Nile River for its freshwater needs.ДЄccording to the Nile Waters Agreement of 1959 between Egypt and Sudan, Egypt receives an annual average flow of 55.5 km3/year (about 75% of flow coming from Ethiopia). ItвЂ™s three tributaries вЂ“ the Blue Nile, Sobat, and Atbara вЂ“ carry about 86% of the total flow in the Nile. With turbines of about 5100 MW it has more than two times the energy generating power of the nearest major hydropower dam вЂ“ the High Aswan Dam in Egypt which was commissioned 50 years ago.Д®thiopia, as an upstream country in the Nile basin, contributes the lionвЂ™s share of the Nile waters. Since Ethiopia announced the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in 2011, there have been disagreements between Egypt and Ethiopia on the filling and operation of the dam.

Pharaoh game water supply