Analysis of the Network Performance and Development of Electricity Transmission

Abstract

A coordinated resource requirement planning is vital to ensure growing demand for electric power is adequately and effectively met in an affordable manner. Transmission networks determine how efficiently the generated energy meets the demand. Bottom-up approach; where specific areas/regional requirements are aggregated to form a global or national requirement is preferred to ensure objective investment planning in power systems. In the planning for implementation by the national and county governments, only global system performance is recorded and analysed with little or no focus on the region-specific network needs. As at 2018, the peak power demand for Kenya’s Coast Region was 256MW. In 20 years’, time, the demand for the region is expected to be 1300MW. The generation as at 2018 was 300MW.This is expected to reach about 2000MW in 2039.The region’ electricity network has been modelled in PSS/E. The target year (2039) network model has additionally been prepared with data from the transmission utilities in Kenya. The power system for the region has been analysed. Load flow solution using Newton Raphson methods were employed to analyse the models for both normal (N-0) and during a contingency (N-1) security criterion. The performance of the regional network in terms of efficiency and security has been determined. It is noted that Coast Region’s transmission network efficiency is above 95% and the network however does not meet (N-1) security criteria. Additional improvements and reinforcements have been proposed to improve the network. An improved network is developed by modelling the proposed elements into the initial models and analysed again to confirm the impact. Improvement in efficiency (97%) and compliance to (N-1) security criterion is achieved. A transmission plan with schedule and estimated cost has been developed; 300 Million US Dollars being the estimated cost of additional transmission elements required for improvement of efficiency and compliance to (N-1) security requirement. This research project report presents the details of system modelling, simulation and analysis of both the current and planned transmission system of the Kenya’s Coast Region. Discussion on the baseline data, analysis methodology, assessment of network performance through analysing of the current and future power system is given. The recommendations for improved system performance is provided in form of scheduled pipeline of transmission projects as the interventions required for realisation of adequate, efficient and reliable transmission system for the Kenya’s Coast Region. Key Words: security, planning, Coast Region.