The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has launched a major initiative to strengthen the country’s power grid under the Kenya Green and Resilient Expansion of Energy (GREEN) Program Phase 2. Supported by funding from the World Bank, the project focuses on improving grid stability and enabling better integration of regional hydropower and domestic renewable energy sources.
A key part of the project involves the installation of advanced grid stabilization technologies, including Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) and other reactive power compensation systems. These systems will be deployed at the Suswa converter station and the Rabai substation near Mombasa. The goal is to enhance voltage stability and ensure reliable electricity supply, especially in regions that face challenges due to long transmission distances.
The need for this upgrade is linked to the increasing power flow from the Ethiopia-Kenya interconnector. While the interconnector plays an important role in regional energy exchange, operating it above 200 MW without proper system support can create risks such as voltage instability and potential outages. The introduction of STATCOMs will provide fast and dynamic voltage control, helping maintain system balance and improving overall network performance.
The project has been divided into two main components. The first component includes the installation of mechanically switched shunt busbar reactors along with a 120 MVA STATCOM at the Suswa station. The second component involves the installation of a shunt capacitor and a 120 MVAr STATCOM at the Rabai substation. These additions are expected to reduce dependence on expensive fossil fuel-based power generation, which is currently used to support voltage levels in the grid.
In addition to infrastructure development, KETRACO is also focusing on ensuring proper project execution. The company has invited experienced consulting firms to express interest in providing construction supervision and project management services. The consultancy will include design review, site supervision, and training of KETRACO’s technical staff.
The consultancy contract is expected to run for at least 18 months. Firms applying for this role must have more than 15 years of experience in high-voltage substation projects and should have handled similar large-scale assignments in the past. Interested consultants have been given a deadline of March 31, 2026, to submit their proposals.
This project is seen as a crucial step toward improving grid reliability and supporting Kenya’s long-term goal of achieving a clean and stable energy system.
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