Addis Ababa, 19 June, 2015 (WIC) – The undertaking project to connect Ethiopia and Kenya in Electric Power is so crucial for the economic integration of both countries, Water, Irrigation and Energy said.
The Ethio- Kenya 500KV Power Systems Interconnection Transmission Line project contractual agreement between Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation and China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Company Limited has signed today in Sheraton Addis.
Speaking at the ceremony, Water, Irrigation and Energy Minister Alemayohu Tegenu said that the Ethio-Kenya Power Interconnection Project helps to utilize power resources together.
The national network expansion undertaking together with neighboring countries could facilitate power trade in the region, he added.
EEPCo. Manager, Azeb Asnake, on her part, said the bi-directional transmission line with the capacity of transferring 2000 mega watt electric power is believed to be a backbone for the regional power trade.
According to Azeb the whole Interconnection project practical in both nations is jointly financed by African Development Bank (AFDB), World Bank (WB) and the French Development Agency, while the Ethiopian part of the project including the consultancy service is 100 percent covered by the loan from African development bank.
The 5009 KV high voltage direct transmission line package contract signed with the Chinese company with the contract price of 119, 291, 364 USD, said Azeb.
She added that the transmission line is 1045 km from Wolayta Sodo substation in Ethiopia to Sussawa ss in Kenya; the line inside Ethiopia is stretched to 433 km from Walayta to the boarder of Kenya.
Vice President of China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co.Ltd, Mr. Chen Wei also said that the company has agreed to compete the project within 26 months of period and high quality standards.
According to Chen Wei, the company is the largest global enterprise experienced in planning, consulting and construction of power transmission in Africa, central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, central and southern Asia.