Regional Interconnectors
The purpose of regional power interconnectors is to facilitate regional power trade through the access of cheaper power from, and export of excess power to neighbouring countries. The first regional power interconnection between Kenya and a neighbouring country was done in 1955; the Kenya-Uganda 132kV line which connected the power generation at the Owen Falls Hydroelectric power station with the load centres in Kenya, traversing through Tororo, Musaga, Lessos, Lanet and Nairobi.
Currently, we are engaged in the construction of four new regional power interconnector projects:
Kenya-Uganda Interconnector
Also known as the Lessos-Tororo transmission line, this project with a capacity of 1,200MW linking Kenya to Uganda, and further to Rwanda, Burundi and Eastern part of DR Congo. This new Kenya-Uganda link is expected to increase the power transfer capacity between the two countries to 350MW.
Kenya-Ethiopia Power interconnection
A 1045km long 500kV DC transmission line with a power transfer capacity of 2,000MW is at an advanced stage of implementation. The line, with 612 in Kenya, originates from Welayta Sodo in Ethiopia and terminate at Suswa in Kenya.
Kenya-Tanzania Power Interconnection
This interconnection starts from our Isinya substation south of Nairobi and passes through Arusha before terminating at Singinda in Tanzania. It is will be operated at 400kV and have a power transfer capacity of at least 1600MW.
Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) Power Interconnection
The project which is being implemented under the umbrella of the Nile Basin Initiative will add a new 220kV line from Lessos to Bujagari Hydropower station in Uganda and also interconnect Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Kenyan transmission line component is to be constructed at 400kV rating.