The 10th African Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C10) opened on Monday in Dar es Salaam, attracting around 800 participants from 21 countries.
The week-long event brings together experts, policymakers, and investors to discuss geothermal development, market opportunities, and carbon reduction strategies.
Speaking at the opening session, Tanzania's Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Engineer Innocent Luoga, said the conference offers a platform for participants to deepen their knowledge of geothermal energy through technical workshops, site visits, and hands-on training.
Luoga, who represented the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Dr. Khatibu Kazungu, emphasized that the event aims to advance geothermal resource development.
“Participants will engage in discussions on a variety of topics, including the impact of carbon markets and capacity building through specialized technical sessions. This knowledge-sharing is crucial for unlocking geothermal potential,” said Luoga.
Tanzania’s Push for Energy Diversity
Luoga underscored the government’s commitment to diversify Tanzania’s energy mix to ensure reliable power supply.
“To achieve energy security, power generation must come from multiple sources—hydropower, gas, solar, wind, and geothermal. The goal is to reduce dependence on just a few sources,” he said.
Tanzania has identified 52 geothermal sites for potential development, with five projects—Ngozi, Kiejo-Mbaka, Ruhoi, Natron, and Songwe—already in progress.
Luoga added that the conference would help catalyze investment in geothermal energy and accelerate the sector’s growth in Tanzania.
“Hosting this event reflects the Sixth Phase Government’s dedication, under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to expanding the energy sector and exploring sustainable sources like geothermal,” he remarked.
Geothermal's Role in Economic Growth
Addressing participants, Matthew Mwangomba, General Manager of the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC), said the conference theme, “Accelerating Geothermal Resource Development in Africa: Carbon Markets and Emission Reductions,” reflects the sector's importance in addressing climate challenges.
Mwangomba highlighted that geothermal energy has the potential to boost Tanzania’s economy by increasing electricity production and national revenue.
“This conference will open up new investment opportunities and provide a platform for exchanging knowledge with global experts. The previous ARGeo event held in Tanzania in 2014 resulted in the creation of TGDC and partnerships with countries like Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, and the United States,” he noted.
UNEP Praises Tanzania’s Efforts
The conference also received praise from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Meseret Teklemarian, UNEP’s Head of the Southern Africa Office, commended Tanzania for its meticulous preparations and engagement with stakeholders from both public and private sectors.
“The government’s commitment to this conference reflects its priority in advancing geothermal development. The participation of various institutions and experts is a testament to the collaborative spirit driving this initiative,” Teklemarian said.
The conference will officially be opened by Vice President Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango later this week.
Attendees will engage in field visits to geothermal project sites and participate in discussions on carbon markets and emissions reduction strategies.
As the event unfolds, Tanzania hopes to leverage the expertise and partnerships formed at ARGeo-C10 to accelerate its geothermal energy development, strengthening both its energy sector and economic growth.