By Ibrahim Kasita

SWECO, a Swedish firm, has won euro 1,227,000 (about sh4b) contract to study the potential and proposals for the interconnection of the power grids between Uganda and Tanzania.

The deal, aimed at reducing the power shortage in the region, is being carried out on behalf of the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company (UETCL).

It is being funded by the World Bank.

Sources said the project would cost the expansion plan for the power generation systems of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Sweco will carry out a study to establish the existing and future demand-supply balance, evaluate the existing and committed generation and transmission system, and determine the least cost means of expanding the power system to meet the demand growth of the three countries.

It will also be required to strengthen the interconnection links where appropriate.

This will entail studying load forecasting, assessment of hydropower resources, assessment of thermal/geothermal resources, develop supply reliability criteria, examine interconnection alternative, identify transmission corridors, system analysis, cost estimation and economic analysis.

Eriasi Kiyemba, the head of UETCL, confirmed the deal over the weekend.

Experts argue that by interconnecting the power grids around Lake Victoria, it is possible to reduce the shortage and ensure a more stable electricity supply in the region.

Sweco is already involved in similar assignments in Botswana, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Angola and Tanzania.

“Over the past 50 years, Sweco has worked in many African countries to improve access to electricity in urban and rural areas,” Eva Nygren, the Sweco president boasted.

There is still a serious lack of electricity in the East African region, a problem that is creating obstacles for commercial development and social progress.

According to the East African power master plan, the interconnection of the electricity power lines, will create two rings — one around Lake Victoria that will link Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

Another interconnection power line will be around lakes Kivu and Edward that will link DR Congo, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.

Among the schemes approved are a 249km interconnection that will carry 220kV between Jinja in Uganda and Lessos in Kenya.

The other is the 220kV, Mbarara (Uganda) to Birembo (Rwanda) interconnection of 172 km.

The East Africa region is characterised by very high power prices, insufficient and unreliable supply of power and very low rates of electrification.