Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia are considering developing a US$1.4bn power interconnection project that could be launched by 2018. The interconnection project would enhance power trade, regional economic integration and security of power supply for the three countries, which would build 2,300 km of 400 kV power lines and 373 km of 330 kV power lines (each country being responsible for the lines in its territory). The project would also link the Southern African Power Pool and Eastern African Power Pool, reducing the power deficit risks.
Kenya and Tanzania are already developing a high-voltage power interconnection; in July 2015, the countries invited bids for the construction of the project.
Kenya plans to add 5 GW of power capacity by 2017 from 1.7 GW in 2013, while Tanzania plans to double its current installed capacity by 2016 to reach 3 GW and Zambia plans to add 1.7 GW next year (2.2 GW installed with peak demand at 1.9 GW).