East Africa plans regional power pool to boost energy access
Nyerere Dam in Rufiji
What you need to know:
- Electricity access in the region remains below 50 percent on average, though some countries, like Kenya, have surpassed 75 percent.
Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) member states are considering establishing a central power collection and supply station to distribute energy equally across the region.
EAC director of Productive Sectors, Jean Baptiste Havugimana, disclosed the plan during the East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (EA-ECS) in Arusha.
He said electricity access in the region remains below 50 percent on average, though some countries, like Kenya, have surpassed 75 percent.
“The EAC secretariat is working with member states to increase electricity access. This is being achieved through shared mini hydropower stations placed along border areas,” he said.
Havugimana added that Tanzania is expected to have surplus power once the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant reaches full production, making a regional power pool and energy market centre necessary.
The proposed East African energy market aims to lower electricity costs, ensure equitable distribution, promote industrial growth, and strengthen regional cooperation.
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPCL) CEO Joseph Siror said Kenya plans to achieve 100 percent electricity access by 2030.
Meanwhile, Tanzania is working to extend power supply to islands in the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria through mini auxiliary grids.
Tanzania Electricity Supply Company (Tanesco) deputy managing director, Costa Rubagumy, said the country is inviting private investors through Public-Private Partnerships to develop mini grids in remote areas, including Mafia Island and islets in Lakes Victoria and Tanganyika.
Tanzania currently connects an average of 500,000 new customers to the national grid annually. Following the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, the country has set a new target of 1.6 million new connections per year under the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to link 8.3 million new customers by 2030.
Tanzania is among 12 signatories of the Dar es Salaam Declaration, committing African governments to accelerate energy access and promote renewable energy adoption.
The East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit continues to serve as a platform for advancing regional energy projects and fostering industry development.
