| Work Detail |
Kenya is set to bolster its electricity transmission capabilities with the construction of a cutting-edge National System Control Centre (NSCC) in Embakasi and an Emergency Control Centre in Suswa. This transformative project, awarded to a consortium led by GE Vernova and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), is expected to modernise how Kenya monitors and manages its Kenya is set to bolster its electricity transmission capabilities with the construction of a cutting-edge National System Control Centre (NSCC) in Embakasi and an Emergency Control Centre in Suswa. This transformative project, awarded to a consortium led by GE Vernova and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), is expected to modernise how Kenya monitors and manages its national electricity grid. High-tech hubs to revolutionise grid management and control The Embakasi facility will serve as the country’s central grid control hub, outfitted with GE Vernova’s advanced software and automation systems. These include the GridOS® orchestration software suite, which features Advanced Energy Management Systems (AEMS) and Wide Area Management Systems (WAMS), as well as condition monitoring devices, substation automation, and telecommunications equipment. The Suswa site will act as a backup facility, offering the same high-tech capabilities and a dedicated Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system to streamline transmission operations. Dr Eng. John Mativo, CEO of Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), described the development as a “game-changer” for the nation’s power sector, citing its potential to enhance grid stability, integrate renewable energy, and support the country’s growing power demands. “It will ensure reliable, secure, and efficient electricity transmission across the country,” he said. “A new, advanced NSCC is essential for managing increased electricity demand as Kenya’s economy grows. When commissioned, the new NSCC system would play a critical role in supporting our mandate as System Operator(SO). It will ensure reliable, secure, and efficient electricity transmission across the country. It is a game-changer for Kenya’s electricity transmission capabilities, significantly improving our ability to manage the grid, enhance the quality of power, and integrate renewable energy sources,” explained Mativo. International collaboration fuels Kenya’s green energy ambitions The £multi-million project is being supported through a unique financing model that combines concessional funding from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Treasury. This partnership not only underscores international confidence in Kenya’s energy vision but also aligns with broader climate and decarbonisation goals shared by Kenya, France, and the European Union. H.E. Arnaud Suquet, the French Ambassador to Kenya, praised the initiative, stating, “A modern NSCC will make the Kenyan grid more resilient and reliable, enabling the integration of more renewable energy and ultimately providing more affordable power to Kenyan households and businesses.” GE Vernova’s Financial Services arm played a pivotal role in securing the project financing, ensuring a smooth path from planning to implementation. With completion expected within three years, the NSCC and its supporting systems are poised to usher in a new era of energy efficiency and technological advancement in Kenya’s electricity landscape. As Kenya targets universal electricity access by 2030, this ambitious collaboration represents a key milestone in the journey toward a fully connected, sustainable, and future-ready national grid. |
