$15 million East African energy trade centre planned by regulators

The Energy Regulators Association of East Africa (EREA) has announced plans to establish a $15 million (Sh1.6billion) regional centre in Arusha Tanzania that will help enhance sustainable capacity and energy trade in the East African region.

The Executive Secretary of EREA, Geoffrey Mabea said plans are at an advanced stage to commence the implementation of the project. The project has the backing of member states of East Africa Community (EAC) bloc and is expected to boost intra-regional electricity trade.

EREA is hoping the centre will also facilitate the development of energy related infrastructure in the region, boost growth of value chains and enhance skills development. 

“The project will help us enhance skills, knowledge and competencies critical for regional policy harmonisation and integration with the project not only benefitting the region but other stakeholders in Africa,” said Mabea.

“For increased operational efficiency to achieve the EAC’s policy harmonization agenda there is a need to develop highly skilled staff to provide services in the highly specialized field,” Mabea added.

Improving energy trade

The establishment of a regional energy centre of this kind is a first for Africa. The centre is expected to boost the trade of electricity between member countries within the East African Community (EAC) bloc. 

Kenya currently produces 2177 megawatts(MW) of electricity against a demand of 1600 MW. So the country is not only able to meet its power requirements but also has the capacity to export excess electricity. Part of the objectives of the energy centre will be to streamline energy trade within the EAC region.

“The project will immensely contribute to the continental integration agenda by enhancing connectivity beyond EAC and the operationalization of the Eastern Power Pool,” concluded Mabea.