Post - Articles
Tanzania seeking wind powered solution to generation issues
- 13 years ago (2011-04-18)
- Junior Isles
Tanzania is seeking international and domestic investors for wind generation projects to boost power output in the country.
Enlit Africa 2024
The eligible firms will primarily be tasked with connecting rural areas with independent generation capacity separate from the national grid.
The project will see firms supply and install wind turbines with a minimum of between 2 and 10 MW for the pilot projects in designated rural areas.
Dr. Lutengano Mwakahesya, director general of Rural Energy Agency (REA) said that the accomplishment of the project will help curb power deficit in the country.
Roughly 10 local and international firms have shown interest in investing in the project.
Tanzania will be offering about $500 as a subsidy for every customer that will be connected to the power produced.
“All project developers must provide information indicating that they are qualified and have financial capability to execute the energy project,” he said.
Tanzania has been facing power shortages for decades, making the country notorious for chronic power rationing, largely due to overdependence on hydro power.
The country consumes more than 800 MW, of which around 450 MW is generated from hydro.
Preparations are at an advanced stage for the construction of the first wind power project with capacity to generate 100 MW in southern Tanzania highlands come July 2013.
Experts and investors claim upon completion of the project it will be the second biggest wind power generation farm in East Africa after Lake Turkana in Kenya which produces 300 MW.
The wind power project, to be located at Makambako in the newly created Njombe region in the southern highlands in Tanzania, is being carried out jointly by three partners; Sino Tan Renewable Energy Ltd a local company, MCC 20-Hainan International, a Chinese company and Norks Vind Energi of Norway.