The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has completed and energized the 400kV transmission line linking Kenya and Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in regional energy cooperation and infrastructure development. This ambitious project, valued at Ksh 4.9 billion, is set to enhance regional electricity trade and fortify energy ties between the East African Community (EAC) partner states Kenya and Tanzania.
A Key Step in Regional Integration
Financed jointly by the Government of Kenya (GoK) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the project involved Ksh 1.9 billion from GoK and Ksh 3 billion from AfDB. The completion of this transmission line is expected to foster a more integrated electricity market across the region. According to KETRACO, this regional interconnector will not only improve grid reliability but also facilitate sustainable and dependable electricity access, paving the way for large-scale, efficient renewable energy projects. Mativo, a KETRACO spokesperson, emphasized that the project would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by exporting affordable renewable power to countries heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
Infrastructure and Technical Details
The project encompassed the construction of a 510km High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) transmission line from Kenya to Tanzania. It included the extension of Isinya substation in Kenya and Singida substation in Tanzania, along with the construction of the Arusha substation. In Kenya, the 96km 400kV transmission line from Isinya substation to the Namanga border was completed, as well as the extension of the 400/220kV Isinya substation. On the Tanzanian side, the construction of a 414km 400kV transmission line from the Namanga border to Singida, along with the establishment of the 400kV Arusha substation and the extension of the 220/33kV Singida substation, was completed.
Promoting Cross-Border Energy Trade
The synchronization of the two countries’ electricity grids was a crucial step agreed upon by KETRACO, Tanzania Electricity Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), and Kenya Power. This development comes at a pivotal time when 13 member states of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) have agreed to begin cross-border transmission and trade in other energy platforms from March 2025. This synchronization and interconnection will allow Kenya to export surplus power to Tanzania, supporting the Tanzanian economy and energy security. Moreover, the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) and TANESCO outlines a future power trade between Ethiopia and Tanzania, transmitted through Kenya’s transmission network. Under this agreement, TANESCO will initially purchase 100MW from EEP, with plans to increase this to 200MW over the next three years.
A Case Study for Regional Market Development
To facilitate this power trade, KETRACO and TANESCO have agreed on a wheeling arrangement, allowing KETRACO to earn revenue by providing transmission services through the Ethiopia-Kenya-Tanzania (EKT) power transaction. This transaction will be the first wheeling transaction within the EAPP and serve as a case study for developing the EAPP power market transmission pricing methodology, which is scheduled for early 2025. The interconnector forms a vital part of the Eastern Electricity Highway, aimed at facilitating trade and collaboration among EAC member states, ultimately strengthening energy ties across the region.
Conclusion
The completion of the Kenya-Tanzania power line represents a significant stride towards regional energy integration. By enhancing grid reliability and enabling cross-border electricity trade, this project not only supports sustainable development and economic growth in the EAC but also sets a precedent for future regional energy projects. The collaboration between KETRACO, TANESCO, and AfDB underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving regional energy security and integration. As the Eastern Africa Power Pool continues to expand and develop, projects like the Kenya-Tanzania power line will play a crucial role in meeting the growing energy demands of the region and promoting a greener, more sustainable energy landscape.
