Karuma–Juba High Voltage Power Line
Planned power line in Uganda and South Sudan
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The 400kV power line, begins at the 400kV substation at Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station. The line travels in a north-westerly direction to Olwiyo, in Nwoya District, in the Northern Region of Uganda. This distance is approximately 56 kilometres (35 mi).
At Olwiyo, the line takes a general northerly direction to Elegu at the international border with South Sudan, a distance of about 140 kilometres (87 mi). The distance traveled by this power line in Uganda is therefore approximately 196 kilometres (122 mi).
After crossing the international border into South Sudan, the line travels through Nimule, in Imatong State to Juba, the capital city of South Sudan, a distance of approximately 195 kilometres (121 mi)
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Overview
This power line is planned to transmit electricity from the 600 megawatts Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station in Uganda, to Juba in South Sudan. It is part of the regional power-sharing protocols of the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program and of the East African Community. Uganda plans to sell electricity to neighboring countries, including South Sudan after Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station and Isimba Hydroelectric Power Station become operational. The government of South Sudan has plans to extend the high-voltage power line to Juba.
Construction
The two governments are in discussions on how to fund the construction of the power line, using loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, with each country being responsible for the portion of the line in her territory. The feasibility and environmental impact studies for the 400kV power line were carried out between March 2023 and February 2024 by CESI S.p.A. and ELC Electroconsult S.p.A. both of Italy and Colenco Consulting Limited of Nigeria.
Developments
In June 2023, South Sudan government officials signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with officials from the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Under the agreement, Uganda will increase the voltage of the section of this transmission line that is in Uganda, from 132kV to 400kV. In addition, Uganda will supply power to several towns in South Sudan bordering Uganda, including Nimule, Elegu, Oraba, Kaya and others. South Sudan will be responsible for extending the transmission line to Juba.
In May 2024, high ranking executives from Sinohydro met with the president of Uganda and offered to construct the 140 kilometres (87 mi) Olwiyo-Nimule section of this power line for approximately US$180 million. Sinohydro also offered to finance the project if necessary.
The construction funding of this power line is summarized in the table below. The total cost is estimated at US$302 million (€277.6 million), sourced as outlined here.
- Note: Totals maybe off due to rounding.