By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam— Vice President of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango (pictured) has called on African nations to unite and collaborate in advancing geothermal energy, emphasizing its clean and sustainable nature as a solution to reduce reliance on polluting energy sources like heavy fuel oil.
Speaking at the 10th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C10), held in Dar es Salaam and attended by over 800 participants from 21 countries on October 23, 2024, Dr. Mpango stressed the need for every African country to establish dedicated institutions to oversee geothermal energy development. He also urged the creation of stringent laws and regulations to encourage private sector participation in the sector.
"Each country must have specific institutions to manage geothermal energy development and enact strong regulations that will enable the private sector to invest in this vital energy source," said Dr. Mpango.
He added that countries rich in geothermal resources should engage strategically with financial institutions, including banks, to secure the significant funds required for the development of geothermal energy, rather than relying solely on government budgets.
Dr. Mpango highlighted Tanzania's goal to generate over 5,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030 from diverse energy sources, with a focus on renewable energy, including geothermal, wind, and solar power.
He also pointed to Tanzania's proactive steps in geothermal development, including the establishment of a geothermal energy agency in 2014 and ongoing drilling in the Ngozi area, part of the Rift Valley, to confirm geothermal potential.
The Vice President noted the progress made in geothermal energy in Tanzania, including an increase in the number of geothermal experts and the acquisition of drilling rigs for exploration. He thanked development partners such as Japan, Iceland, and Ireland for their financial and technical support in advancing Tanzania's geothermal sector.
During the conference, Dr. Mpango invited investors to develop geothermal energy in Tanzania's promising sites, including Ngozi (70MW), Kiejo-Mbaka (60MW), Songwe (5-35MW), Natron (60MW), and Ruhoi (5MW). He also encouraged ARGeo-C10 participants to explore investment opportunities in other sectors, including mining and tourism, promoting Tanzania's attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.
Capt. George Mkuchika, Tanzania's Minister of State in the President's Office, commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in advancing Tanzania’s energy sector. He noted that 98% of rural areas now have access to electricity and projected that all villages will be connected by the end of December 2024.
Kenya’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, James Wandayi, shared Kenya's success in geothermal energy, stating that 45% of the country’s electricity is generated from geothermal sources. He emphasized the importance of continuing to promote geothermal energy across Africa, citing its sustainability and versatile applications, including agriculture and livestock.
In her remarks, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Judith Kapinga, thanked President Samia for her dedication to the energy sector and underscored the importance of geothermal energy in meeting Tanzania’s electricity needs.
She noted that geothermal energy would contribute to the country’s goal of generating 995 megawatts from this source by 2024, enhancing the stability of the national grid.
Kapinga also highlighted geothermal energy as a key solution to Africa's energy challenges, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
The opening of the ARGeo-C10 conference was attended by various dignitaries, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Regional Commissioners, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, development partners, and representatives from both public and private institutions.