Kenya Power and Toshiba Transmission and Distribution Systems(India) Private Limited(TTDI), a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, have signed a memorandum of Understanding on implementation of a pilot project aimed at decreasing distribution losses in the National Grid.
The MoU will guide installation, testing and evaluation of equipment that will be supplied by TTDI, on a trial basis to improve efficiency and reduce both technical and commercial losses in the distribution network.
“As the network grows in tandem with the rapid increase in tge number of customers,we experience bith techical and commercial losses. We are focussed on bringing down the system losses from the current 19% to single digit figures in the medium term,” said Kenya Power and managing director and CEO Dr Ben Chumo.
The pilot project will involve the installation of new types of transformers( Amorphous Distribution Transformers) manufactured by TTDI in the distribution network, with the aim of enhancing efficiency and helping to significantly reduce distribution losses.
In addition,TTDI under guidance from KPLC, will supply safe and eco-friendly Solid Insulated Switchgears (SIS) and Gas Insulated Transformers (GIT) to fight vandalism.
“TTDI has made concerted efforts to understand and respond to the needs of Kenya Power. I believe this MoU reflects KPLC’s positive Evaluation of TTDI’s high quality products and of our proposal to contribute towards achieving stable electricity supply,” said Dr Katsutoshi Toda Chairman and Managing director of TTDI.
Rapid economic growth has continuously increased demand for electric power in the country, calling for intensive investment in the transmission in the transmission and distribution network.
The country’s access to power currently stands at 56% with a focus to scale it up to70% by the end of the next year ahead of attaining universal access by 2020.
“Kenya power is committed to ensuring efficiency in power distribution in order to boost the country’s economic development,” said Dr Chumo.
Toshiba Group intends to leverage on technological advantage and high reliability of its products to contribute towards stable electricity supply in growing markets in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
