Ethiopia is finalizing preparations to double its electricity exports to Kenya as part of efforts to deepen regional energy integration and expand cross border power trade, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) said.

The announcement followed a regional consultation forum held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, where representatives discussed measures to strengthen electricity connectivity across East Africa and increase Ethiopia’s power export capacity.

Destalem Hailu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of EEP’s Transmission Business Sector, said Ethiopia currently supplies 200 megawatts of electricity to Kenya.

The volume is expected to increase to 400 megawatts beginning in December, once ongoing technical and related works between the two countries are completed.

According to Destalem, a joint technical team has been established to oversee testing and ensure the system is ready before the additional power is transmitted.

He noted that Kenya’s electricity grid is interconnected with those of neighboring countries, making coordinated technical precautions necessary to prevent potential grid instability as power flows increase.

Ethiopia is also supplying 100 megawatts of electricity to Tanzania on a trial basis. Regular commercial electricity sales are expected to begin after infrastructure upgrades linking the Kenyan and Tanzanian power systems are completed.

EEP said Ethiopia is pursuing a broader plan to strengthen regional electricity trade by developing new transmission lines and constructing additional substations.

The initiative is expected to expand Ethiopia’s role in East Africa’s emerging interconnected power market while creating additional opportunities for electricity exports to neighboring countries.

Source: Ethiopian Electric Power