Isolux Corsan and its consortium partner Siemens have secured a contract to design and install High voltage direct current (HVDC) equipment between Ethiopia and Kenya.

The project will provide a reliable connection of both countries’ electrical grids and improve the use of generation resources in the area. The World Bank and African Development Bank have financed approximately USD 450 million for the project.

The HVDC bipole, which is 1,000 kilometers-long DC power line, will connect the two converter stations in Sodo (Ethiopia) and Suswa (Kenya). It will have a capacity to generate 2,000 megawatts (MW).

According to the consortium agreement, Siemens will provide the complete HVDC core technology, whereas Isolux Corsan will undertake the construction, installation and equipment in the converter and AC substations.

The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCO) and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd. (KETRACO) have placed the order for the project. The project will enhance the exchange of energy between Kenya and Ethiopia and covers the power needs for the future development of the areas.

The project is expected to begin by the end of 2018.

This is Isolux Corsan’s first HVDC project in Ethiopia.

Source: Energy Business Review