The East African Power Pool (EAPP) has confirmed the first cross-border electricity wheeling operation in the region with Ethiopia supplying power to Tanzania via Kenya’s transmission network.
The transaction is part of a trial phase. Ethiopia is currently exporting 300 MW to Kenya (100 MW of this is being wheeled onward to Tanzania).
“This successful trial is a step toward integrated power trading and a clear indicator that the region is ready for a fully functioning electricity market,” the EAPP said.
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) noted this is the first time its infrastructure has been used by a neighbouring country to transmit electricity from a third party.
Following feasibility studies, resource mobilisation and construction, John Mativo, MD of KETRACO, said the 400 kV Suswa-Isinya transmission line was raised from 225 MW to 262 MW but voltage levels across the grid remain stable and within limits, indicating the success of the project.
The broader regional interconnection initiative includes the 500 kV HVDC Ethiopia-Kenya transmission line, the 400 kV Suswa-Isinya line and the 400 kV Kenya-Tanzania line along with associated converter stations and substations.
Finance was provided by Kenya’s National Treasury, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement and the European Investment Bank.
