Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ltd. (KETRACO) has acquired two high voltage transformers to be utilized to complete the 220kV Turkwel – Ortum – Kitale Transmission project.
The 220/132kV 90MVA transformer weighing 70 tonnes will be utilized at the Kitale substation and another weighing 40 tonnes will be installed at the 220/33kV Ortum substation.
The two high voltage transformers form a critical segment of the Transmission Infrastructure Project and it will provide an alternative transmission evacuation route for Turkwel Hydro Power Plant and place the entire Western region on a pedestal to attaining stable electricity grid for purposes of economic growth.
The project, which is being executed by Shyama Power Limited of India and supervised by KETRACO, is in its final stages of completion.
In a statement issued by KETRACO, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon. Davis Chirchir said the transmission infrastructure project has the potential to catapult the region into a strategic zone for foreign investments, promoting industrialization, and fostering innovation.
The CS who was accompanied by Energy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alex Wachira and KETRACO Managing Director, Dr. Eng. John Mativo made the remarks while addressing the press at KETRACO’s Ortum substation.
He had visited the substation to witness the delivery of the 23MVA transformer to the substation.
The one for Kitale is rated 90MVA.
Mr. Chirchir said that through KETRACO, the government implemented the project in two lots for efficient and timely delivery.
Lot 1A involved the construction of Ortum 220/33kV substation, Kitale 220/132kV substation and extension of Turkwel substation while Lot 1B entailed the Construction of 138Km ,220kV single circuit line from Turkwel to Ortum to Kitale.
The 220kV transmission line from Turkwel to Ortum to Kitale has a capacity of 250MW. The Government of Kenya and Exim Bank of India financed the project.
Testing and commissioning are currently ongoing at both Ortum and Kitale substations while Turkwel substation is due for protection setting configuration and commissioning. The transmission line is already completed. KETRACO will carry out inspections in readiness for commissioning once the transformers are installed and energized.
The transmission infrastructure project will Improve Power quality and reliability in West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and, Nandi Counties and strengthen supplies to the entire Western Kenya.
The project will also facilitate efficient power supply to the proposed cement plant at Ortum and other power consumers.
It will offer alternative path to evacuate power from Turkwel to the national grid and ensure Kitale and Eldoret receive power from two different directions: Turkwel and Lessos.
“Reliable electricity infrastructure is a requisite for higher productivity, and increased competitiveness in the global markets. Industries heavily rely on electricity to operate machinery, run production lines, and power manufacturing processes,” Davis Chirchir said.
The CS said stable electricity supply was crucial for economic development, industrial production, technological advancements and will significantly influence the country’s geopolitical standing and ability to compete and thrive globally.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com