Zambia and Tanzania build $1.2 billion power interconnector
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
Illustrative image · Efe Burak Baydar · Pexels · Licence PexelsZambia and Tanzania are building the $1.2 billion TAZA power interconnector, which will link Eastern and Southern African electricity grids through about 1,200 kilometres of high-voltage lines. The project, agreed in 2014, is to enable exchanges of up to 500 megawatts, with the Zambian section expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2029.
The Tanzania-Zambia power interconnector (TAZA) is to comprise about 1,200 kilometres of high-voltage lines, mainly 400 kV in Tanzania and 330 kV in Zambia, according to Zambian Watch. The wider interconnection project, concluded in 2014, is to link the electricity grids of Eastern and Southern Africa.
The infrastructure is to enable electricity exchanges of up to 500 megawatts between Tanzania, Zambia and regional markets. Zambia is targeting commissioning of its section in the second quarter of 2029, while work is progressing faster on the Tanzanian side, according to Zambian Watch. The project is also to allow the countries concerned to share their electricity resources during periods of surplus or shortage.
