Sodo–Moyale–Suswa High Voltage Power Line

The power line starts at Sodo (Wolayta-Sodo), in Wolaita Zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region, about 313 kilometres (194 mi), by road, south-west of Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city of Ethiopia.[3] From Sodo, the power line runs in a south-easterly direction for approximately 400 kilometres (249 mi), as the crow flies, to Moyale, at the international border with Kenya.[4]

From Moyale, the power line follows a south-westerly course to end near Suswa, in Kajiado County, approximately 600 kilometres (373 mi) away, as the crow flies.[5] The power line measures about 1,045 kilometres (649 mi), of which, approximately 600 kilometres (373 mi), is in Kenya.[6]

This power line serves one major purpose. It will enable Ethiopia to transfer surplus electricity to Kenya, for sale to the countries of the East African Community and the Great Lakes Region. The power generated in Ethiopia is less expensive than that generated in Kenya, and the new energy purchases are expected to lower the general power tariffs in Kenya and promote industrial growth in the country.[1]

The entire power line in both countries is budgeted at KSh126 billion (approximately US$1.26 billion). Funding was sourced from the World Bank and the African Development Bank, the principal financier.[6][7] Completion is expected in June 2019.[6] In August 2018, The EastAfrican reported that at that time, 75 percent of the work in Kenya was complete, while simultaneously, 90 percent of the work in Ethiopia was complete, with commissioning expected in 2019.[8]

Lineman on a bundle conductor of the line during construction in Ethiopia

The contractor for the 457 kilometres (284 mi), inside Ethiopia is China Electric Power Equipment and Technology (CET). CET is also responsible for cross-border cabling and a 40 kilometres (25 mi) section in Kenya, near a place called Logologo. A new 500kV substation in Sodo is included in the scope of work.[1]

KEC International Limited (KEC), an Indian company, is contracted to build the 195 kilometres (121 mi) section from Elboro to Logologo, both in Marsabit County.[1]

Larsen and Toubro Limited is responsible for building the section from Logologo to Kinamba in Laikipia County, measuring 201 kilometres (125 mi).[1] The Kinamba to Suswa section is contracted to Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited, and it measures about 237 kilometres (147 mi). A new 500kV substation is included in the scope of work.[1]

• Energy in Ethiopia
• Energy in Kenya
• Loiyangalani-Suswa High Voltage Power Line

CIGRÉ South Africa 2015 conference paper:

• Paulo Edmundo da Fonseca Freire et al. (2015): "HVDC link Kenya–Ethiopia – Ground Electrodes Site Selection"

Ethiopia–Kenya Power Systems Interconnection Project documents (including details, maps, etc.):

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Summary, August 2011
• Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Final Report – Ethiopia section, January 2012
• Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Final Report – Kenya section, February 2012
• Project Appraisal Report, September 2012