The 400/220kV Mariakani substation is set to be completed in June 2023, Board Chairman Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) Mr. Abdi Bare Duale has said.
Mr. Duale said that the substation is key part of the grid connecting Coast Region (Rabai) and Olkaria, Nairobi, Isinya and Kipeto.
“The future Special Economic Zone (EPZ) at Dongo Kundu wil be served from this substation. Kwale County will also benefit when a future line is done from a tee-off to Shimoni,” said Mr. Duale.
Speaking at Mariakani substation, the Chairman said overall work completion at the substation project stood at 94 percent, noting that construction work was 90 percent, procurement 99 percent, engineering and design 99 percent and test and commissioning 30 percent complete.
The Chairman who was flanked by Ag. Managing Director, Eng. Isaac Kiva, OGW and General Manager, Design and Construction Eng. CPA Antony Wamukota, OGW and Company Secretary, General Manager Legal Services CS Lydia Sitienei was on projects inspections visit to the Coast Region.
Mariakani Substation is an essential part of the 482km 400/220kv Mombasa – Nairobi transmission line as it steps up the power to ensure it is transmitted over long distances (over 400km) thus reducing transmission losses.
The project falls under the system strengthening/capacity enhancement projects that aim to improve the transfer capacity of electrical energy as well as address the challenge of low voltages, high transmission losses, and unreliability of supply and network security.
According to Mr. Duale, the project scope involved Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of 400/220kV Mariakani Substation with two 200MVA Power Transformers.
It is jointly financed by African Development Bank and Government of Kenya at a cost of Kshs 3,365,488,477.25. China CAMC Engineering CO. Ltd. (CAMCE) is undertaking the construction works with a target completion date of 30th June this year. Contract Commencement Date was 9th February 2019.
Mr. Duale said the project will also improve the quality and reliability of power supplied to the Coast region, ensure efficient utilization of the 500kV Ethiopia-Kenya HVDC link and the imported power through the Suswa-Isinya Transmission Line and supply reliable power to the Special Economic Zone in Dongo-Kundu.
The 400kV Mariakani substation will also link the 400kV Isinya Substation via an upgraded 400kV Mombasa-Nairobi Transmission Line currently operating at 220kV that will improve the power transfer capacity and reduce power losses.