The sharing of electricity between Ethiopia and Kenya is a major step forward in the transition to renewable energy in East Africa. Both countries have invested heavily in clean energy sources, such as hydropower and geothermal energy, to meet the growing electricity needs of their populations. Ethiopia gets all of its electricity from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest hydropower plant, while Kenya is among the leaders in geothermal energy with the Olkaria complex.
However, relying exclusively on renewable energy poses challenges, particularly in terms of storage and availability. This is where the Ethiopia-Kenya Power Highway project comes in. This vast transmission network, recently inaugurated after a decade of construction and an investment of $1.2 billion, allows the two countries to automatically share their surplus electricity, ensuring a constant supply when needed. This power exchange system contributes not only to grid reliability but also to price security and stability, which are essential in a context where electricity demand is constantly increasing.
Analyst Darlain Edeme highlights the importance of power sharing among African countries to ensure a successful transition to clean energy. Indeed, with rapid growth in electricity consumption in Ethiopia and Kenya, pooling energy resources is becoming a necessity to meet the growing demand. Universal access to electricity by 2030, as targeted by the United Nations for Africa, will require massive investments in energy infrastructure and cross-border interconnections.
The high cost of such interconnections underlines the strategic importance of these projects for the economic and social development of the countries concerned. By investing in sustainable energy infrastructure, Ethiopia, Kenya and other countries in the region are contributing to strengthening energy security and reducing the risks of power outages. These advances are all the more crucial in a context where public services, particularly distribution companies, require reforms to ensure efficient and transparent management of electricity networks.
The Ethiopia-Kenya Power Highway therefore represents a significant step forward towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future in East Africa. By fostering regional cooperation and strengthening energy links between countries, this project paves the way for a successful energy transition that benefits the environment, local economies and the populations of the region.