Additional transmission line connecting Olkaria geothermal field with Nairobi
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has commissioned a new transmission line providing an alternative route for electricity from the Olkaria geothermal plants to Kenya’s capital of Nairobi.
Today, Ministry of Energy Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, Hon Charles Keter commissioned a 7 km underground 220kV cable running from Athi River to Embakasi through Nairobi National Park.
The transmission line is run by Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), and offers an alternative power route and additional capacity to Nairobi from Olkaria thus greatly improving the reliability and availability of power in the city.
Speaking during the commissioning, CS Keter emphasized the importance of the line that include achieving grid stability and reliability hence creating an attractive environment for investors in the region. This, according to Keter, will spur economic growth as well as create employment, which is in line with the government’s Big Four Agenda.
“The line will provide an alternative means of power supply to Nairobi and its surroundings as well as reduce the cost of power through reduction of transmission losses, “ said CS Keter.
“Although the project has faced numerous challenges, including multiple vandalism incidences, we are glad the first cable in the region is now complete and for the first time a physical ring around Nairobi metropolis is a reality,” KETRACO Chairman, Eng James Rege said.
This 7km underground cable was necessary because it falls within the National Park as well as the flight path area.
The underground cable will act as a bridge through which two major projects (Mombasa-Nairobi and Suswa-Isinya) get access to Nairobi City and connect the biggest cities in the country with Olkaria geothermal fields.
Source: KTS TV