The African Development Bank reports that the electricity highway between Ethiopia and Kenya, officially opened in 2023 after more than 10 years of planning and construction, is redefining energy connectivity in the East Africa region. It represents a significant technological advance in infrastructure, connecting power grids and, more broadly, nations, populations and economies.
The HVDC electricity interconnection between Ethiopia and Kenya represents a technological advance for electricity transmission in the region.
Supporting a shared energy future, the electricity transmission interconnection runs for 1 045 km between Wolayta-Sodo in Ethiopia and Suswa in Kenya. It enables both countries to pool resources, hydroelectricity from Ethiopia, and geothermal and wind power from Kenya.
John Mativo, Managing Director of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco), says this project is all about collaboration. “Around 2010, countries in East Africa, as an energy pool, decided it was essential to have an interconnected hub so that everyone could use and exploit energy and support each other.”
One of the project’s important aspects is the use of HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) technology, which makes it easier to transport electricity with long distance transmission lines. Tewoderos Ayalew, the Site Manager at Ethiopian Electric Power explains. “We have used HVDC technology to minimise energy wastage and reduce power losses in the transmission line. HVDC technology also has the benefit of reducing the costs of construction. It is easy to operate and improves grid stability in managing the interconnection from the power grids of different countries.”
Energy from Ethiopia’s hydroelectric plants is produced in the form of alternating current, which is transported via the Ethiopian grid to the converter station in Sodo. There, it is converted to direct current and leaves Ethiopia for Kenya, via the 1 045 km overhead transmission line. Once it arrives at the Suswa converter station, it is converted back to alternating current to be integrated into the Kenyan power grid.
This HVDC infrastructure is the only such interconnection in the region and forms the foundation of East Africa’s aim to enable regional power exchange and allow cross-border trade in energy.
The total cost of USD 1.26 billion was funded partly by USD 338 million from the African Development Bank. The World Bank, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the governments of the two countries involved also contributed.
Economic benefits
The project has brought significant economic benefits to both countries. For Kenya, where 95% of electricity comes from renewable sources, the connection is increasing its competitiveness. Kipkemoi Kibias, General Manager at Ketraco, endorses the development.
“Using clean, renewable energy brings numerous advantages not only to Kenyans, but to the whole world... It allows us to attract investors, especially in light and heavy industries, who are looking for green energy.”
The project also creates jobs. The development of business zones close to energy infrastructure, like the one near Suswa, creates thousands of jobs and boosts local economic activity. Moreover, the project includes a significant social dimension, involving local communities. Of the 100 employees at the Suswa power station, 70 come from the region, an indication of the opportunities for local development.
For Sylvia Kinaiya, an engineer from the region, the project is also a source of personal pride. “I am Masai, so for me, it’s a way of giving back to my community,” she says. She also emphasises that the project has shown others in the community that it is possible to be a mother and an engineer, helping to break down gender barriers in technical occupations.
As well as its economic and social impacts, the project supports sustainability, allowing for better integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, into regional networks. According to John Mativo, the infrastructure ensures that “Kenya has enough green energy to support its industrial development while maintaining a small carbon footprint.”
Kenya is already on the way to self-sufficiency in clean energy, with the aim of moving to 100% renewable energy by 2030. By connecting its grid to Ethiopia, Kenya can stabilise its energy supply and attract more investment into green energies. This vision is shared by investors, who see the new electricity interconnection infrastructure as a safeguard of energy security and the environment.
The Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway looks towards green energy as a driver of stronger regional cooperation and sustainable development. With this connection, East African countries can share their energy resources efficiently and meet growing demand in their populations and industries.
Tweoderos Ayalew says, “We have the potential to meet our own needs and to supply energy to our neighbours and beyond.”
This pioneering project is paving the way to shared prosperity and enabling the region to progress its sustainable energy transition.
For more information visit: www.afdb.org/en
