The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has embarked on an ambitious project to build a state-of-the-art National System Control Centre (NSCC) at a cost of Ksh 11.5 billion (€80.7 million). The move is set to significantly enhance the efficiency, reliability, and stability of the national power grid, addressing Kenya’s growing energy demands and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources. This facility will be constructed in Embakasi, Nairobi County, as part of KETRACO’s long-term strategy to modernize the country’s electricity transmission infrastructure.
KETRACO signed the contract with a Consortium of Grid Solution SAS to design and build the new NSCC, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s energy sector development. The NSCC is expected to become the central command center for managing the national grid, offering advanced monitoring and control capabilities for electricity dispatch across the country. The facility will replace the current control center, which has been operational for years but is now facing limitations due to the expanding size of the national grid and the increasing complexity of Kenya’s energy mix.
Addressing Energy Transmission Challenges in Kenya
As Kenya’s electricity demands increase, driven by population growth, urbanization, and economic expansion, there is a critical need to improve the country’s energy infrastructure. The National Grid continues to expand in size and capacity, and with three regional high-voltage interconnectors connecting Kenya to neighboring countries, efficient transmission and management of energy have become increasingly challenging.
In recent years, Kenya has also been integrating more renewable energy into the national grid, particularly from wind and solar sources. This has introduced variability in the grid’s supply, which requires sophisticated technology to manage. With more renewable energy being added to the mix, maintaining grid stability and reliability is a top priority for KETRACO.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. John Mativo, Managing Director of KETRACO, emphasized the importance of the new control center, stating, “The National Grid will continue to grow in size and capacity within Kenya, three regional high-voltage interconnectors connected to neighboring countries, and more and more variable renewable energy added in the energy mix making it paramount for KETRACO to construct a new facility.”
The new control center aims to address these challenges by providing enhanced visibility and control over the grid’s operations, allowing operators to monitor the performance of various generators, dispatch energy more efficiently, and simulate future grid scenarios. This will not only enhance the stability and reliability of Kenya’s energy system but also ensure that electricity supply is consistent and can meet the demand across the country.
Features and Capabilities of the New NSCC
The NSCC, which is scheduled to be completed within 36 months, will serve as the heart of Kenya’s national grid management. The facility will be equipped with advanced technology, enabling KETRACO to monitor real-time data on electricity flow from various generation points to consumers. This will allow for better management of energy dispatch and reduce inefficiencies that often lead to power outages or overloading of certain sections of the grid.
In addition to its central location in Embakasi, the project includes the construction of a backup facility at KETRACO’s Suswa substation. This backup center will provide redundancy in case of any operational issues at the main control center, ensuring uninterrupted management of the national grid.
One of the key features of the new NSCC is its ability to integrate electricity from diverse sources into the grid. This includes both traditional energy sources such as hydro and thermal power, as well as renewable sources like wind, solar, and geothermal energy. The integration of these variable energy sources into a single grid requires sophisticated balancing mechanisms, which the new control center will offer.
With the new facility in place, KETRACO will be able to better predict energy demand and supply, ensuring that electricity is distributed efficiently throughout the country. This will not only help to reduce power outages but also ensure that surplus energy from renewable sources is stored or redirected to areas with high demand.
Moreover, the facility will enhance KETRACO’s ability to simulate future grid scenarios, a feature that is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term stability and resilience of Kenya’s energy infrastructure. By simulating different scenarios, KETRACO will be able to anticipate potential challenges, plan for future expansions of the grid, and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
Modernizing Kenya’s Energy Infrastructure
KETRACO’s investment in the new NSCC is part of a broader initiative to modernize Kenya’s energy transmission infrastructure. In recent years, the government has made significant investments in power generation, including major projects like the Lake Turkana Wind Power plant, the largest wind farm in Africa, and the Olkaria geothermal plant. However, while power generation capacity has increased, the country’s transmission infrastructure has struggled to keep pace.
The current national control center has been operational for years, but its capabilities are now limited by the expanding grid and the introduction of more renewable energy sources. The new NSCC will be the first facility of its kind in the region, designed specifically to handle the complexities of a modern, diversified energy mix. It will provide a better working environment for operators, with advanced capabilities that allow for more efficient management of the grid.
KETRACO’s project will also support Kenya’s efforts to become a regional leader in energy trade. With interconnectors linking Kenya to Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, the new NSCC will play a vital role in managing cross-border electricity flows. This will enable Kenya to export surplus energy during periods of low domestic demand and import energy during periods of high demand, further enhancing the stability and reliability of the national grid.
Joint Financing by AFD and the French Ministry of Finance
The Ksh 11.5 billion project is jointly financed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the French Ministry of Finance, highlighting the strong partnership between Kenya and France in supporting sustainable energy development. The financing is part of a broader effort by international organizations to support Kenya’s transition to a greener and more sustainable energy system.
Kenya has been recognized as a global leader in renewable energy, with over 70% of its electricity generated from renewable sources. This includes significant investments in geothermal, wind, and solar energy projects. The new NSCC will play a critical role in ensuring that the country can continue to integrate more renewable energy into the grid, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
In addition to financing the construction of the NSCC, the AFD and the French Ministry of Finance are also supporting capacity-building initiatives to train KETRACO staff on the use of the new technology. This will ensure that the company has the necessary expertise to operate and maintain the facility effectively.
A Regional Milestone in Energy Management
The construction of the new National System Control Centre represents a major milestone for Kenya and the broader East African region. Once completed, the facility will be the most advanced control center of its kind in the region, setting a new standard for energy management and transmission.
As Kenya continues to invest in expanding its power generation capacity, the NSCC will provide the necessary infrastructure to ensure that this energy is transmitted efficiently and reliably to consumers. By improving the stability and resilience of the national grid, KETRACO’s project will support Kenya’s economic development and contribute to the country’s goal of achieving universal access to electricity by 2030.
Furthermore, the project underscores Kenya’s commitment to sustainability and its leadership in renewable energy development. With the ability to integrate and manage a diverse range of energy sources, the new NSCC will ensure that Kenya remains at the forefront of the global transition to clean energy.
In conclusion, the signing of the Ksh 11.5 billion contract for the construction of the new National System Control Centre marks a significant step forward in modernizing Kenya’s energy infrastructure. The facility will enhance the efficiency, stability, and reliability of the national grid, providing a solid foundation for the country’s continued economic growth and energy security. As Kenya prepares to meet its future energy needs, the NSCC will play a critical role in ensuring that the national grid remains resilient and capable of supporting a sustainable and prosperous future.
