The Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway, inaugurated in 2023 after over a decade of meticulous planning and construction, is a transformative initiative that is redefining energy connectivity in East Africa. This project transcends mere infrastructure; it embodies an economic and environmental vision that unites nations and communities through shared energy resources.
Spanning 1,045 kilometers from Wolayta-Sodo in Ethiopia to Suswa in Kenya, this highway facilitates a collaborative approach to energy management, enabling Ethiopia to export its abundant hydroelectric power while Kenya contributes its geothermal and wind energy. At the heart of this ambitious project lies a commitment to regional connectivity, a goal articulated by John Mativo, Managing Director of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco). He underscores the importance of collaboration in establishing a unified energy hub for East Africa.
“Around 2010, countries in East Africa recognised the necessity of creating an interconnected system so that everyone could harness and share energy resources effectively,” Mativo explains.
Innovative Technology for Enhanced Efficiency
One of the project’s most remarkable features is its adoption of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, which significantly enhances the efficiency of electricity transport over long distances. Tewoderos Ayalew, site manager at Ethiopian Electric Power, highlights the advantages of this technology: “By using HVDC, we minimize energy wastage and reduce power losses in the transmission lines, leading to lower construction costs and improved grid stability for interconnection between different national power grids.”
In Ethiopia, hydroelectric dams generate energy as alternating current, which is then transmitted to a converter station in Sodo. There, the current is converted to direct current before travelling the lengthy overhead transmission line to Kenya. Upon reaching the Suswa converter station, the electricity is transformed back into alternating current, ready for integration into Kenya’s power grid. This cutting-edge infrastructure is the first of its kind in the region and lays the groundwork for enhanced power exchange and cross-border energy trade.
The project, with a total cost of $1.26 billion, has garnered significant financial support, including $338 million from the African Development Bank, along with contributions from the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the governments of both nations.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
The economic implications of the Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway are profound. For Kenya, which derives 95% of its electricity from renewable sources, this connection bolsters its competitive edge. Kipkemoi Kibias, General Manager at Ketraco, emphasises the broader benefits: “Utilising clean, renewable energy not only advantages Kenyans but contributes positively to global efforts to combat climate change. It positions us to attract investors in various industries seeking sustainable energy sources.”
Moreover, the initiative is a catalyst for job creation. The establishment of business zones near energy infrastructure, particularly around Suswa, generates thousands of employment opportunities, stimulating local economic development. The project also prioritises community involvement, with 70 of the 100 employees at the Suswa power station hailing from the local area.
Sylvia Kinaiya, a regional engineer, expresses her pride in being part of this initiative: “As a Masai woman, I view this as a way to give back to my community.” Her involvement highlights the project’s role in challenging gender stereotypes in engineering and technology.
A Sustainable Future for East Africa
Beyond its economic and social impacts, the electricity highway stands as a model of sustainability, facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the regional grid. According to John Mativo, this infrastructure ensures that “Kenya has enough green energy to support our industrial development while maintaining a minimal carbon footprint.”
Kenya aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, and the connection to Ethiopia is pivotal in stabilising its energy supply and attracting investments in green energy. This vision is shared by investors, who view this interconnected infrastructure as essential for energy security and environmental sustainability.
The Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway symbolises a future where green energy fosters enhanced regional cooperation and sustainable development. By enabling efficient sharing of energy resources, this initiative addresses the growing energy demands of East African populations and industries.
As Tewoderos Ayalew optimistically states, “We have the potential not only to meet our own needs but also to supply energy to our neighbours and beyond.” This pioneering project is paving the way for shared prosperity, positioning the region for a successful transition to sustainable energy solutions.
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Source: African Development Bank
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