Africa: UK government-backed Gridworks, a subsidiary of British International Investment, has announced plans to develop two major transmission projects in Ethiopia while advancing its Amari project in Uganda to construction.
On 2 February, Gridworks signed a joint development agreement with the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance and Ethiopian Electric Power to deliver the country’s first two privately financed transmission projects, valued at around $400 M (€339 M). The projects include a 206-km, 132-kV Degehabur–Kebridehar line, linking the Somali region to Ethiopia’s central and northeast grids, and a 198-km, 400-kV Hurso–Ayisha line, which will support new energy development in the northeast and strengthen interconnection with Djibouti.
“Transmission infrastructure is fundamental to growth, jobs and improving lives, and these projects will help unlock Ethiopia’s vast renewable energy potential,” said British Ambassador to Ethiopia Darren Welch.
Meanwhile, on 4 February, Gridworks signed agreements enabling the $50 M Amari Power Transmission project in Uganda to move into construction. Amari, the first independent transmission project on the continent to reach this stage, will upgrade four high-voltage substations, improving supply to industrial users, supporting renewable energy uptake, and enabling future regional grid connections.
These initiatives highlight Gridworks’ commitment to expanding electricity networks in Africa, facilitating sustainable energy growth, and strengthening regional interconnections to support economic development.
Source: Renewables Now
