East African countries have been urged to strengthen regional cooperation and invest in renewable energy and cross-border transmission infrastructure, with Ethiopia’s hydropower potential highlighted as one of the resources that could support regional electricity trade.
Speaking at an Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) representative Yalewayker Mandefro pointed to Ethiopia’s hydropower potential, Kenya’s geothermal resources and the solar and wind energy available across the region.
Mandefro delivered the opening remarks on behalf of EEP chief executive and EAPP Steering Committee chairman Ashebir Balcha.
“The presence of renewable energy resources is only the starting point. What matters is our collective ability to develop these resources, build the necessary transmission infrastructure, and ensure that reliable electricity reaches consumers and productive sectors,” he said.
Mandefro said electricity had become increasingly important to economic development, while energy deficits and limitations in grid capacity and reliability continued to constrain communities, businesses and industries across East Africa.
According to EEP, greater power-system integration through the EAPP could allow countries with surplus generation to supply neighbouring markets experiencing shortages. This could improve system reliability while supporting more efficient and cost-effective electricity trading.
Regional interconnection could also support industrial development, expand electricity access and help power systems respond to fluctuations in generation and demand.
Mandefro called on EAPP members to work towards an integrated, clean and reliable regional electricity system. He said this would require national commitments, coordinated investment and sustained institutional cooperation, as well as technical collaboration.
The two-day forum assessed regional electricity supply and demand, power-system interconnections and measures to improve cooperation among EAPP member states.
Discussions also included preparations for El Niño conditions and measures to limit potential effects on electricity generation and system operations.
Member states are conducting a joint technical assessment of disturbances recorded across the interconnected grid during the past year. The work will examine their causes and impacts and identify lessons for future grid management.
The discussions are intended to support the development of a more reliable, resilient and integrated regional electricity market, according to Ethiopian Electric Power.
