Suswa–Isinya–Rabai High Voltage Power Line is an operational high voltage (400 kilo Volts) electricity power line connecting the high voltage substation at Suswa, Kenya to another high voltage substation at Rabai, Kenya.[1]
| Suswa–Isinya–Rabai High Voltage Power Line | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Country | Kenya |
| Coordinates | 3°55′51″S 39°33′18″E / 3.930959°S 39.554875°E |
| General direction | North to South |
| From | Suswa, Kenya |
| Passes through | Isinya, Bachuma, Voi |
| To | Rabai, Kenya |
| Ownership information | |
| Owner | Government of Kenya |
| Partners | African Development Bank |
| Operator | Kenya Electricity Transmission Company |
| Construction information | |
| Expected | 2017 |
| Technical information | |
| Type of current | AC |
| Total length | 300 mi (480 km) |
| AC voltage | 400kV |
| No. of circuits | 2 |
Location
editThe power line starts at Suswa, in Narok County, about 80 kilometres (50 mi), by road, north-west of Nairobi,[2] and runs in a south-easterly direction for approximately 90 kilometres (56 mi) to the Ketraco Power Substation at Isinya, in Kajiado County.[3]
From Isinya, the power line follows a south-easterly course to end at Rabai, in Kilifi County, approximately 393 kilometres (244 mi), away, as the crow flies.[4] The power line measures about 482 kilometres (300 mi).[1]
Overview
editThe original plan was to build a 220 kilo Volt transmission line. Plans were later revised and the voltage was increased to 400kV.[5] The line serves three main purposes: (a) It transmits power generated from geothermal power stations in the Eastern Rift Valley, to Kenya's coastal region[5] (b) It transmits power from thermal power stations near the coast to the industrial centers in and near Nairobi[5] (c) Through Suswa, the power line connects to Lessos and Tororo, Uganda, allowing the export of electricity to Uganda and Rwanda.[5]
Construction
editConstruction started in August 2011, with the Rabai–Isinya section. Construction was budgeted at KSh14 billion (US$140 million), funded with loans from (i) the French Development Agency (ii) the European Investment Bank and (iii) the African Development Bank. The Government of Kenya, invested equity in the project.[6] Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL) from India, was the lead contractor on this project. Siemens was the substation contractor.[6] After delays, the power line came on-line in the second half of 2017.[7][8][9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Mwangi, Monicah (8 August 2017). "New Suswa-Isinya-Rabai transmission line to meet half of coast electricity demand". The Star (Kenya). Nairobi. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ Globefeed.com (13 March 2018). "Distance between Ketraco Suswa Substation, Kenya and Central Business District, Nairobi, Kenya". Globefeed.com. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ Globefeed.com (13 March 2018). "Distance between Ketraco Suswa Substation, Kenya and Isinya, Kenya". Globefeed.com. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ Globefeed.com (13 March 2018). "Distance between Isinya, Kenya and Rabai Power Plant, Mombasa, Kenya". Globefeed.com. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ a b c d Senelwa, Kennedy (23 August 2017). "Electricity grid takes shapes as countries erect transmission lines across borders". The EastAfrican. Nairobi. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ a b Ketraco (4 August 2011). "Joint Donor Mission visits KShs 14 Billion Mombasa-Nairobi Power Transmission Project". Nairobi: Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco). Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ Otuki, Neville (4 August 2017). "Coast residents set for lower power bills with cheap geothermal power". Business Daily Africa. Nairobi. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ Macharia, Ken (4 August 2017). "Mombasa to get reliable power with the launch of 400kV Suswa-Rabai line". Nairobi: 98.4 Capital FM. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ Macharia, Kamau (5 August 2017). "Coast to get cheap electricity". East African Standard. Nairobi. Retrieved 13 March 2018.