The East Africa Electric Highway project is a crucial component of the power infrastructure initiative among Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. This electricity transmission project has officially kicked off trial power supply from Kenya to Tanzania.
This major milestone comes in following the successful establishment of the first power connection that runs between Kenya and Ethiopia. This was brought to a reality by an advanced power supply network. Additionally, the subsequent phase of the power transmission project linking Kenya and Tanzania has now been completed. This therefore allows for the Commencement of the trial power distribution.
$104 Million Approved by African Development Bank for Ethiopian Power Transmission Project
Project Factsheet
Name: East Africa Electric Highway
Capacity: 2,000MW
Length: runs for 1,045 km between Wolayta-Sodo in Ethiopia and Suswa in Kenya
Countries: connects Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania
Technology: utilizes High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) to cut energy wastage and power losses over long distances
Environmental impact: use of renewable energy sources like hydroelectricity, geothermal, and wind power, the project supports East Africa’s transition to a greener and sustainable energy future.
Economic impact: expected to generate roughly $200 million annually through electricity trading
Also read: Tanzania’s $900 Million Power Lines Project
Significance of the East Africa Electric Highway
The development of this power transmission project will enhance the cooperation among the nations involved. This will be achieved by providing both a consistent and cost effective power supply to the participant countries.
Moreover, this energy transmission project is expected to widen the capacity of Ethiopia of supplying renewable energy. This will therefore position Ethiopia as a leader in pioneering green electricity trading in the region. The initial trading efforts are expected to generate roughly USD200 million every year.
This regional power transmission project has gotten support from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the AFD.
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Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Emerges as a “Backbone” for the Project
A very crucial component that is behind the renewable energy export of Ethiopia is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This mega dam project will be largest in Africa upon completion and boast a very impressive capacity of 6, 000MW. The dam will provide will address the domestic electricity needs of Ethiopia. Additionally, it will also provide surplus power that will be exported to the countries that neighbor Ethiopia.
GERD has made Ethiopia a crucial player in the regional energy market. It possesses the ability to deliver consistent and clean power. This dam underpins the ambitious goal of Ethiopia of becoming a leader in both clean energy production and trade in the African region.
When combine with the East Africa Electric Highway, GERD will strengthen the energy export infrastructure of Ethiopia. Additionally, it will bolster Ethiopia’s both diplomatic and economic influence in East Africa.
Also read: Last Mile Connectivity Project in Kenya Seeks Ksh21 bn Loan Funding
