Ayub Njoroge Gitau

Power Development Planning Models in East Africa

Power system planning can be widely viewed as consisting of three main areas: demand forecasting, generation capacity expansion, and transmission expansion planning. Power planning involves the determination of an optimal or least-cost development plan to meet forecast demand. This article examines power development planning and expansion, and planning models used in East Africa. It focuses on the planning process in three countries, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, which historically interrelate in their economic activities across various sectors. The article seeks to give insight into power development planning with regard to a regional perspective, modeling and simulation, and trends and practices. It also seeks to elucidate the challenges and opportunities of integrated generation expansion planning.