Addis Ababa: Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP) has announced that it is currently supplying 265 megawatts (MW) of electricity daily to Kenya, in accordance with the power purchase agreement signed between the two nations. EEP highlighted the crucial role of the Ethio-Kenya 500kV converter station in facilitating regional power interconnection within East Africa. The converter station, which commenced operations some 3 years ago, is a key component of this energy export initiative.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Mekonnen Kasse, a maintenance and operations expert at the station, stated that the facility receives power from the Wolaita Sodo Number Two distribution station via four 400kV incoming lines. It then utilizes 12 converter transformers and 1,680 thyristors to transmit the electricity. Mekonnen explained that the station has a transmission capacity of 2,000 MW through two poles and a 1,060-kilometer transmission line extending from Ethiopia to Kenya.
“Under the existing power purchase agreement with Kenya, we are currently providing 200 MW during 18 hours of the day, specifically until 6:00 PM, and an additional 65 MW during the remaining six hours,” Mekonnen elaborated. He also noted that the station has the capacity to accommodate the increasing power supply demands outlined in the agreement, as well as the planned power transmission to Tanzania.
EEP has communicated that ongoing efforts are being made to strengthen the station’s capacity and make improvements to ensure reliable power transmission. These efforts aim to further contribute to continental power interconnection, especially as Ethiopia engages in future power sales agreements with other countries. Information obtained from Ethiopian Electric Power indicates that the station is actively undergoing various upgrades to support the nation’s drive to expand its electricity export capabilities.