CESI Drives Ethiopia-Somalia Transmission Feasibility Study

In May 2023, CESI began providing consultancy services for a groundbreaking feasibility study on electric transmission interconnections between Ethiopia and Somalia. This strategic project aims to evaluate the technical pre-feasibility, economic viability, and sustainability of proposed transmission lines linking the two countries through two main corridors: a northern interconnector with the Somaliland Region and a southern interconnector with Mogadishu.

The initiative envisions the development of the first electric transmission infrastructure in Somalia, fostering greater access to electricity and supporting the growth of the electricity market in Eastern Africa. CESI plays an important role in identifying and recommending the most efficient technical and economic solutions, ensuring a manageable environmental and social impact.

In addition to drafting the preliminary project and cost estimates, CESI is tasked with preparing the tender documents for the EPC contracts. The company will also assess the organizational, institutional, and commercial frameworks necessary to secure funding, construction, ownership, and sustainable management of the transmission infrastructure.

The project, coordinated by the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), benefits the Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) utility and Somalia’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (ME&WR). This collaboration marks a significant step toward advancing regional energy integration and development in Eastern Africa.