Kenya has completed the construction of a 400-kilovolt transmission line connecting with Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in regional energy integration and renewable energy exports.
The announcement was made by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi during the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) Regional Trade Conference 2024.
“This development enables Tanzania to harness renewable energy from Kenya and Ethiopia via our infrastructure,” Wandayi stated, emphasizing the broader impact of the project in advancing access to clean energy within the region.
Kenya boasts one of the highest renewable energy capacities in Africa, with 841.1 MW of geothermal energy, 810.4 MW of hydroelectric power, 425.5 MW of wind energy, and 210.3 MW of solar energy.
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), renewable sources account for 79.56% of Kenya’s total installed capacity of 2,776.3 MW as of December 2023.
The new transmission line enhances Kenya’s capacity to export clean energy, positioning it as a key player in the regional push for sustainable energy solutions.
The infrastructure also enables Ethiopia’s renewable energy to reach Tanzania, further reinforcing the region’s energy trade network.
The EAPP conference, held in Nairobi, brought together over 300 delegates, including energy ministers, regulators, and development partners from across Africa.
Discussions centered on strategies to deepen energy integration and bolster sustainable energy solutions across the continent.
The milestone underscores Kenya’s leadership in renewable energy development and its commitment to fostering regional cooperation in clean energy utilization.