The meeting brought together key regional stakeholders to consider findings of the feasibility study, which the East African Community (EAC) commissioned COWI to undertake in June 2010.

The final draft feasibility report identifies five different pipeline routes ranging in lengths from 124– 430 km, as well as a 360 km offshore route. Based on demand for gas, the pipeline has been estimated to be a 24 inch diameter line from Ubungo in Dar es Salaam to Vipingo in Mombasa. It will be coated and buried at a depth of 1 m and will be designed for a pressure of 100 bar.

The pipeline project is expected to significantly contribute to diversifying energy sources within the region, thereby enhancing security of energy supply.

Kenya Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary Patrick Nyoike said “Diversification will mitigate the challenges that arise from reliance on a limited type of energy source. It is expected that the project will contribute to the reduction of energy costs and shield power generation from variability of weather and international crude oil prices.”

Article continues below…

Mr Nyoike added that when fully implemented, the project will enable the realisation of natural gas-fired power generation and support cement manufacture in Tanga, as well as supply power for tourism and industrial activities in both Tanzania and Kenya.

At the meeting, Mr Nyoike also revealed that the EAC had obtained a grant of close to $US600,000 from the African Development Bank to undertake a study for an oil product pipeline between Kigali and Bujumbura.

“The plan is to link Kigali by pipeline from Kampala, which will allow petroleum products to be accessed from the planned refinery in Uganda, as well as the existing refinery in Mombasa and international markets,” said Mr Nyoike.