Speaking at a workshop on September 13, 2024, Ahmad
Massa, Acting Director of Finance and Administration at TPDC said the efforts
are part of TPDC’s wider strategy to position Tanzania as a regional energy and
agricultural powerhouse.
Domestic Gas Distribution Expansion
In collaboration with the Rural Energy Agency (REA),
TPDC has plans to distribute natural gas to the Pwani, Mtwara, and Dar es
Salaam regions.
This initiative will improve access to clean and
affordable energy across these areas, addressing the rising demand for cooking
energy and industrial use.
Additionally, at least 30 licenses have been extended
to the private sector to develop Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, further
expanding the availability of natural gas for domestic use.
Gas Exports to Neighboring Countries
TPDC is also looking beyond Tanzania’s borders, with
agreements already in place to supply natural gas to neighboring countries,
including Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and
Zambia. The gas will be transported via pipelines and through Mini-LNG
(Liquefied Natural Gas) systems, which provide a more flexible means of energy
export. This development strengthens Tanzania’s position as a key energy
provider in East and Southern Africa.
Mr. Massa confirmed that these agreements will help
Tanzania become a major supplier of cooking energy to the region. TPDC is
working with international partners, such as ROSETTA, Africa 50, and KS Energy,
to build mini-LNG plants that will facilitate the transportation of gas to
neighboring markets.
Supporting Agriculture with Urea
Fertilizer Production
In a significant move for Tanzania’s agriculture
sector, TPDC is venturing into fertilizer production.
The corporation, alongside the Tanzania Investment
Centre (TIC) and the Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA), has
signed an agreement with Indonesia’s ESSA Group to establish a urea fertilizer
plant in the Lindi Region.
The plant, valued at Sh3.5 trillion ($1.4 billion),
will not only support domestic agriculture but also supply fertilizer to
Southern African countries, further diversifying Tanzania’s economic base.
Crude Oil Pipeline from Uganda to Tanga
Massa also reported that the construction of the crude
oil pipeline from Uganda to Tanga is progressing steadily, with 30% of the
project completed.
This pipeline will enable the transport of crude oil
from Uganda’s oil fields to Tanzania’s coastline, playing a critical role in
enhancing the country’s energy infrastructure.
Gas Exploration at Ntolia
Looking to the future, TPDC is preparing to begin gas
exploration at the Ntolia site, which has an expected production capacity of 60
million cubic feet per day.
Once operational, the gas will be transported to the
Madimba wells for distribution within the country and for export.
These comprehensive initiatives reflect TPDC’s
dedication to boosting Tanzania’s energy independence, supporting neighboring
countries, and reinforcing its presence in both the regional energy and
agricultural markets.
Through these projects, Tanzania is set to become a key player in the East and Southern African energy landscape, while also strengthening its agricultural production capabilities.