The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with investors to develop renewable energy sources, aiming to diversify the country’s electricity supply.
Speaking in Dodoma while presenting a report to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Dr. Mataragio outlined the progress of renewable energy projects involving geothermal, wind, and solar power. He stated that areas with renewable energy potential have been identified, and geothermal resource verification is ongoing through the drilling of wells.
Dr. Mataragio stressed that renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar, and wind align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable development.
The Managing Director of TANESCO, Engineer Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, highlighted that geothermal energy is both renewable and sustainable, with applications beyond electricity generation. He noted that Tanzania has the potential to generate over 5,000 megawatts of geothermal power from 52 identified sources across 16 regions.
Providing updates on key projects, Engineer Nyamo-Hanga explained that the Ngozi project in Mbeya is at the resource verification stage, with well drilling in progress. Once completed, the project will generate 70 megawatts, beginning with an initial 30 megawatts. Similarly, the Kiejo-Mbaka project in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region, has reached the deep well drilling stage and is expected to produce 60 megawatts, starting with 10 megawatts. In Songwe, drilling of four wells is underway to verify geothermal resources.
Engineer Nyamo-Hanga also discussed progress in solar energy development, noting that several regions, including Dodoma, Singida, Tabora, Arusha, Shinyanga, and Iringa, have been identified as suitable locations for solar power installations. He said that a 150-megawatt solar power project is being implemented in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region, in two phases. The first phase will generate 50 megawatts, followed by an additional 100 megawatts in the second phase.
On wind energy, Engineer Nyamo-Hanga confirmed that feasibility studies are ongoing, and once completed, wind power projects will contribute to the expansion of the country’s renewable energy capacity.
The government’s focus on these projects reflects its commitment to harnessing Tanzania’s abundant renewable resources to meet the increasing energy demand while promoting sustainable growth.