Ethiopia is strengthening its position as a key energy supplier in East Africa, exporting 265 megawatts (MW) of electricity daily to Kenya as part of a broader regional integration strategy. 

The power transmission is made possible through the Ethio-Kenya 500kV converter station, a critical infrastructure supporting cross-border electricity trade.

According to Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), the converter station, operational for the past three years, plays a pivotal role in the regional power grid by facilitating efficient energy exchange between the two countries. 

Mekonnen Kasse, a maintenance and operations expert at the facility, explained that the station receives power from the Wolaita Sodo Number Two distribution hub via four 400kV incoming lines. It then processes the electricity using 12 converter transformers and 1,680 thyristors before transmitting it across a 1,060-kilometer line to Kenya.

“Under the existing power purchase agreement with Kenya, we are currently providing 200 MW during 18 hours of the day, specifically until 6:00 PM, and an additional 65 MW during the remaining six hours," 

Mekonnen highlighted that the converter station has a total transmission capacity of 2,000 MW, allowing for future increases in power exports. Plans are also underway to extend electricity transmission to Tanzania, reinforcing Ethiopia’s role in continental energy trade.

EEP stated that efforts are ongoing to upgrade the station’s capacity and reliability, ensuring uninterrupted power flow and supporting Ethiopia’s ambition to expand electricity exports to other African nations. The infrastructure enhancements align with Ethiopia’s broader strategy of leveraging its vast hydropower resources to boost regional economic integration and energy security