The ±500 kV Ethiopia-Kenya direct current (DC) power transmission project started trial operation after it successfully passed hot-line adjustment on Nov 17. Its operation marks that Ethiopia has started to export electricity to Kenya.
A view of the ±500 kV Ethiopia-Kenya direct current power transmission project that started trial operation on Nov 17 [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Dubbed the "Power highway in East Africa", the Ethiopia-Kenya DC power transmission line is the first cross-border high-voltage DC power transmission project that connects to the grid in Africa. It is expected to push forward regional power grid connectivity in East Africa, promote coordinated development of power infrastructure and power grid inter-connectivity in the region, and boost power connectivity between North and South Africa.
Once fully operational, the power line will be a key channel for Ethiopia's export of clean energy. With a maximum transmission capacity of 2,000 megawatts, the project will drive the country's foreign exchange earned through export of its excess power while providing stable and abundant power to Kenya. It will greatly boost economic and social development of the two countries and improve their peoples' livelihoods.
A crucial project for the two governments, the project was funded by the World Bank and the African Development Bank. It is a backbone of the power connection plans for East Africa.
A view of the ±500 kV Ethiopia-Kenya direct current power transmission project that started trial operation on Nov 17 [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China, was responsible for construction of the 445-kilometer power transmission line in Ethiopia and two relay stations as well as supporting facilities. Construction of the section started on Aug 1, 2016 and was completed on schedule in February 2018.
The project was built to requirements of the World Bank's ESHS management system and Chinese DC power transmission technology standards. The main equipment used during the construction was manufactured by Chinese enterprises, which drove export of high-end electrotechnical equipment valued at more than 400 million yuan (about $55.52 million).
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
