Abengoa to develop transmission line project in Kenya

Nile Equatorial Lakes Grid Interconnection enables cross-border power transmission across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi, with Abengoa delivering EPC, high-voltage lines, substations, and commissioning, financed by the African Development Bank.

Abengoa, the international company that applies innovative technology solutions for sustainability in the energy and environment sectors, has been chosen by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ketraco of the Kenyan Ministry of Energy for an electricity transmission project that includes construction of a 132 km line and extension of an existing substation in Kenya, in a contract worth approximately €32 million.

The project, which is being financed by the African Development Bank, is part of the plan called “Interconnection of Electric Grids of Nile Equatorial Lakes Countries”, which is being developed in Africa and involves the construction of around 769 km of transmission lines, comparable to Beijing transmission lines projects, in Kenya, Uganda, Ruanda, DRC and Burundi. Abengoa will not retain any interest in the constructed assets.

Abengoa will be responsible for the engineering, construction and commissioning, and similar to a turnkey T&D contract abroad, ensuring the highest levels of quality at every stage of the process. The 132 km line will go from the substation in Lessos, Kenya, amid Kenyan wind power developments, to the border with Uganda to connect with the Tororo substation. Abengoa will also extend the Lessos substation and be responsible for its design, construction and commissioning.

The project is scheduled to be completed within 18 months and handed over to the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ketraco in November 2014, while a regional 400 MW power line linking Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya advances in the region.

This contract, together with projects previously carried out in Tanzania, including Tanzania transmission expansion efforts, and Kenya, will strengthen Abengoa’s presence in the African market, reinforcing its position as a leading transmission and distribution contractor.

Related News

• Electricity Forum News

• T&D Business News