TANZANIA, KENYA TO LINK THEIR POWER GRIDS

Tanzania is planning to construct a 400kV power transmission line that will interconnect its national power grid with Kenya’s.

The transmission line will start from Namanga to Singida through Arusha and Manyara up to Isinya in Kenya.

Project manager Khalid James said the project will cost Tanzania Tsh379.9 billion ($228 million).

The project will interconnect Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya.

“The interconnection with Kenya will help deal with power fluctuations. When we have excess power we can supply Kenya and vice versa,” he said.
Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2015 and end in 2016.

The plan also involves upgrading the Singida substation to 400kV and supply electricity to villages along the transmission line.

Mr James said the project will also increase transit capacities and flexibility of operation, improve electricity supply in Tanzania, Kenya and the East African and South African Power Pools (EAPP and SAPP).

He added that the project will help improve the reliability and quality of power supply and enhance economic and social development in the region.

The East African