Siemens-Isolux Corsan Consortium Wins $450 M HVDC Contract in Ethiopia and Kenya

MADRID, October 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

• The HVDC bipole link will transfer 2,000MW between both countries.

In a consortium with Siemens, Isolux Corsan has been selected to design, build and install High voltage direct current (HVDC) equipment between Ethiopia and Kenya. The project will provide a reliable connection of both countries' electrical grids, improving the use of generation resources in the area. The total value of the project, financed by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, is worth approximately $450 million.

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The HVDC bipole will have a capacity of 2,000 megawatts (MW) and will link two converter stations in Suswa (Kenya) and Sodo (Ethiopia) with a 1,000 kilometers-long DC power line. Under terms of the consortium agreement, Siemens will supply the complete HVDC core technology, while Isolux Corsan will be responsible for the construction, installation and equipment in the converter and AC substations.

The order was placed by the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCO) and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd. (KETRACO).The project will improve the exchange of energy between both countries increasing power availability at both ends, covering the power needs for the future development of the areas.

After the African expansion carried out by Isolux Corsan in recent years, this project consolidates the company as the main EPC contractor in the Continent, with a presence in 16 countries.

This new HVDC contract is the first for Isolux Corsan in Ethiopia and reinforces its presence in Kenya. Isolux Corsan's African operations revenue has increased 5% from 2014.Company's portfolio in Africa represents up to 9% of Isolux Corsan's total profits.

The project is scheduled to go into operation by the end of 2018.