EOI – Feasibility Study for Ethiopia-Somalia Interconnector

The following activities describe the broad scope of the assignment:

1. The Consultant will carry out the Feasibility Study for interconnecting the Ethiopian and Somalian power systems, taking into consideration the opportunities for power trade between the two countries and reflecting the trade options within the broader region of the EAPP and the countries which are gravitating to the pool but are currently not members (e.g. Eritrea, Somalia, and South Sudan).

2. The Consultant shall identify and examine various geographic alternatives and technical options of interest (alternate current and direct current technologies, e.g.; voltage levels, technical configurations, etc.), taking into account future developments of the power systems of the two countries and the region, the role of the interconnector in electrification in Somalia and Ethiopia, the potential environmental and social impacts, and other relevant factors. As required, the Consultant shall identify and include any strengthening of the transmission infrastructure in Somalia and Ethiopia needed to integrate the interconnector in the respective power systems and to operate the two systems synchronously, with adequate security, reliability, and efficiency.

3. This will require the consultant to:

1. Carry out the technical feasibility and economic viability of the proposed construction of transmission lines interconnection between Ethiopia and Somalia^[1] in the context of the existing situation and future power sector development in each country.
2. Prepare design and budgets, assess alternatives and feasibility.
3. Assess and recommend adequate organizational, institutional, commercial, and sustainable operational frameworks for the financing, construction, ownership, and operation of the transmission lines.
4. The consultants should also be cognizant of the fact that separate ESIA and benefit-sharing studies will be undertaken and that the findings of ESIA should be fed into the feasibility study. The expected commencement date for the assignment is June 2022. The duration of the assignment shall be twelve (12) calendar months from the date of contract signature. The overall resource level needed to carry out the assignment is estimated at forty [40] man-months.  

The Eastern Africa Power Pool now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

1. Core Business (Areas of Expertise);
2. Years in Business;
3. Experience similar Assignments For each project performed, the consultant shall provide the name and contact address of the client (office and e-mail address, and telephone number), date(s) of execution, name(s) of lead and associate firms, contract amount, and financing sources.; and
4. Technical and Managerial Capability.

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the short-listing stage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 revised November 2017 and August 2018, and November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost-based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained from Eastern Africa Power Pool, E-mail:  eapp@eappool.org, and copy to ckilangi@eappool.org and jwahogo@eappool.org.

[1] The Interconnections between Ethiopia-Somalia shall include: (i) The South Interconnector (Genale DawaIII or Gode – Mogadishu) and (ii) the North Interconnector (Dire Dawa-Northern Part of Somalia).