Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has announced that construction is underway to ensure a reliable electricity supply for the Bure Integrated Agro-Processing Industrial Park.

According to Mr. Yonas Abadi, Manager of EEP’s Agro-Processing Industry Power Supply Project Office, work is in progress on a power substation and transmission line that will supply electricity to the park. He said the overall implementation of the project has reached more than 37 percent.

Mr. Yonas explained that although an agreement to provide power to the industrial park was signed four years ago, construction was delayed due to foreign exchange constraints. He noted that the project has since resumed and that preparatory activities are currently underway to transport electro-mechanical equipment that has already completed manufacturing and inspection.

He further stated that a 230 kV transmission line, extending 91 kilometers from the Debre Markos power distribution station to the agro-processing park, is being constructed. Materials required for the foundation works of steel transmission towers are also being imported, and the project is being closely monitored to ensure completion within the planned timeframe.

Mr. Tedla Seifu, Project Management 2 Manager under EEP’s Engineering and Construction Business Sector, said the project will significantly improve access to reliable electricity for the Bure Integrated Agro-Processing Industrial Park as well as nearby towns.

He added that the project includes foundation works for the installation of four transformers, construction of a control room and internal access roads, and the completion of residential housing for operators.

According to Mr. Tedla, the substation will be equipped with two 63 MVA and two 50 MVA transformers, along with a capacitor bank to stabilize voltage and prevent power fluctuations. The facility will also feature two 230 kV double incoming lines, ten 33 kV outgoing lines, and ten 15 kV outgoing lines. In addition, expansion work will be carried out at the existing Debre Markos 400 kV power substation.

EEP’s Construction Management Department aims to complete the substation within 12 months. It was noted that the Chinese Sichuan Company will supply electro-mechanical equipment and carry out inspection and testing, while the Indian Kalpataru Company will be responsible for the transmission line construction.