The Ethiopian Government Begins Power Supply Trials Between Kenya and Tanzania

Posted on : Thursday , 2nd January 2025

Ethiopia started the East Africa Electric Highway Project, which involves testing power supplies between Kenya and Tanzania. This milestone comes after the Ethiopia-Kenya power transmission line was completed, which was made possible by a sophisticated power supply network.

Region-wide energy cooperation has advanced with the start of trial operations for the next phase, which connects Kenya and Tanzania. Expected benefits of the project include increased exports of Ethiopia's renewable energy and dependable, affordable electricity. With an estimated yearly revenue of $200 million from initial power trading, Ethiopia will be positioned as a major participant in the green electricity trading market.

Supported by the French Development Cooperative, African Development Bank, and World Bank, the initiative improves energy security and regional connectivity. The initiative has been praised by officials as a significant success, highlighting its contribution to the advancement of sustainable power supply infrastructure throughout East Africa.

During the first three months of the current fiscal year, Ethiopia exported power to neighbouring nations, generating USD 31.5 million. Djibouti, Sudan, and Kenya purchased the 497.8 gigawatt hours of electricity, reaching 91.8% of the revenue goal. Ethiopia generated 6,456 gigawatt hours of power for regional and household use during this time, a 36% increase over the same quarter the previous year.

After starting as a trial, the power supply to Kenya currently distributes 200 megawatts under a permanent arrangement, which helps to boost export earnings. The transmission line in Kenya can carry 2,000 megawatts of power.

Preparations are also being made to provide South Sudan with energy. To start exporting to the nation, a memorandum of agreement has been signed and technical work is still being done.