Read < 1 minute

The African Development Bank (AfDb) has said the power line between Kenya and Ethiopia is reshaping energy connectivity in the region.

The 1.26 billion U.S. dollar projected which officially opened in 2023 after over 10 years of planning and construction runs for 1,045 km between Wolayta-Sodo in Ethiopia and Suswa, Kenya.

The managing director of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco), John Mativo, said the project enables the East African countries pool geothermal, wind and hydroelectricity resources.

According to the AfDB, sharing energy resources will enable East African countries respond to the growing needs of their populations and industries and put the region on the path to a sustainable energy transition.

Ethiopian Electric Power site manager Tewoderos Ayalew touted the project’s use of (High Voltage Direct Current) HVDC technology as representing a technological advancement for electricity transmission.

Ayalew said HVDC technology reduces power losses during transmission, and reduces the cost of constructing transmission lines.

“The grid is also easy to operate and it improves grid stability,” he said.

He noted that the country has the potential to meet its energy needs and also supply it to neighbouring countries and beyond.

AfDB noted the project brought significant economic benefits for the two countries.

“Using clean, renewable energy brings numerous advantages; it allows us to attract investors, especially in light and heavy industries, who are looking for green energy,” Ketraco General Manger Kipkemoi Kibias said.

The power project has also created jobs and created business zones near energy infrastructure.

In the Suswa area, 70 of the 100 power station employees come from the local community, and their income has in turn contributed towards local development.