Egypt is building an artificial river parallel to the Nile River at a cost of $5.2 billion and as part of its New Delta project. Authorities say the river will help expand agricultural land and reduc...

July 11, 2023 at 11:47 am

Egypt is building an artificial river parallel to the Nile River at a cost of $5.2 billion and as part of its New Delta project.

Authorities say the river will help expand agricultural land and reduce the need to import food and wheat.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year drove a global surge in wheat prices, leaving Egypt struggling as it is the world’s biggest wheat importer.

Russia and Ukraine supplied Egypt with 80 per cent of its wheat imports in 2021.

    • headbasherr@lemmy.worldEnglish
      15·
      1 year ago

      Ethiopia not Sudan, it will massively increase Ethiopia’s energy generation capacity in addition to providing flood control in the Blue Nile Valley. The stated main purpose of the dam is energy generation but of course it will have capacity for providing irrigation water as well.

      It has caused strained relations with Sudan and Egypt due to impounding the water before it enters those two countries, though it has been stated that it may actually increase available water downstream (due to higher evaporation rates in the downstream sectors of the Nile). Sudan and Egypt have even suggested military action in response to its construction.