KEY POINTS
- KETRACO energized a 400kV transmission line connecting Kenya and Tanzania, marking a milestone in East Africa’s energy integration.
- The interconnector will boost cross-border energy trade, supporting renewable growth and reducing reliance on fossil fuels in the region.
- Ethiopia-Kenya-Tanzania power trade agreements foster revenue and regional economic growth while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has energized a critical 400kV transmission line connecting Kenya and Tanzania, marking a milestone in East Africa’s drive for regional energy integration.
The 510-kilometer interconnector links Kenya’s Isinya substation to Tanzania’s Singida substation, seamlessly merging the two nations’ power grids. The Kenyan section spans 96 kilometers from Isinya to the Namanga border, while Tanzania completed a 414-kilometer stretch from Namanga to Singida, including a newly established substation in Arusha.
Boosting trade and economic growth across borders
A collaborative effort between Tanzania Electricity Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) and Kenya Power, the project aligns with the Eastern Electricity Highway initiative to boost cross-border energy trade and grid stability across the region.
“This interconnector will enhance the reliability of our power systems, ensuring more sustainable and dependable electricity access across East Africa,” KETRACO Managing Director John Mativo stated during an Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) conference. “It will unlock opportunities for large-scale renewable energy projects, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deliver affordable power to nations reliant on fossil fuels.”
According to its official release, the project feeds into the ambitions of the 13-member EAPP, which is preparing to launch formal energy trading in March 2025. The transmission line enables power exchanges among Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Egypt, and the Southern Africa Power Pool, advancing access to lower-cost renewable energy while fueling regional economic growth.
East Africa’s grid integration sparks sustainable growth
A cornerstone of this integration is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP) and TANESCO, allowing the trade of 100 MW of electricity via Kenya, with plans to scale up to 200 MW within three years.
Additionally, a wheeling agreement between KETRACO and TANESCO will generate revenue for Kenya by facilitating Ethiopia-Kenya-Tanzania power transactions.
The $309.26 million project was co-financed by the Kenyan government and the African Development Bank (AfDB), with Kenya contributing Sh4.9 billion. It underscores the region’s commitment to advancing renewable energy, reducing emissions, and enhancing grid efficiency in a bid to foster sustainable growth across East Africa.
