Joseph Isangura
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio, announced today that the government will actively involve investors in the development of renewable energy sources, aiming to support the country’s objective of achieving a diversified electricity supply.
Dr. Mataragio made this declaration during a presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, highlighting the government’s commitment to renewable energy projects utilizing geothermal, wind, and solar power.
“We have identified areas rich in renewable energy resources, and we are currently verifying the geothermal resources through well drilling,” he stated. “Renewable energy sources, such as geothermal, solar, and wind, align with global goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
The announcement follows comments by Eng. Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, the Managing Director of TANESCO, who emphasized the sustainability of geothermal resources. “Tanzania is estimated to have the capacity to generate at least 5,000 megawatts of geothermal energy from 52 sources spread across 16 regions in the country,” he said.
Eng. Nyamo-Hanga provided updates on various projects, including the Ngozi project in Mbeya, which is currently in the resource verification stage involving the drilling of verification wells. Once operational, the Ngozi project is expected to produce 70 megawatts of electricity, starting with an initial output of 30 megawatts.
Read More; Putin Unveiled Symbolic ‘BRICS Banknote’ at Kazan Summit
Another project, Kiejo-Mbaka, located in Rungwe District, is also advancing in the resource verification phase, focusing on deep research well drilling. This project aims to generate 60 megawatts, beginning with 10 megawatts.
Additionally, the Songwe project is currently drilling four verification wells to assess its geothermal resources.
The government’s proactive approach to engaging investors in the renewable energy sector reflects its commitment to enhancing the nation’s energy supply while promoting sustainable development practices.
