By Charles Mkoka
The Deputy Minister of Energy, Ms. Judith Kapinga, on November 18, 2024, emphasized the significant efforts to power up new generators at the Kinyerezi I power station.
While inspecting the progress of power generation projects in Dar es Salaam, particularly at the Kinyerezi I station, she commended the ongoing work of Tanesco staff for their dedication.
The upgrades, completed in just two days—half the time initially requested—were aimed at expanding the facility's capacity and improving the system's efficiency.
Recently requested upgrades at the station have focused on extending the power lines and installing two new transformers to synchronize with the existing infrastructure.
These improvements are part of a broader plan to enhance power supply across various regions.
"Recently, we have had to implement scheduled power outages in some areas to facilitate these improvements, expand the facility, and enable it to serve more regions effectively," she noted.
Ms. Kapinga also highlighted that the new generators produce 175 MVA each, bringing the total output of the Kinyerezi I power station to 400 MVA when including the 50 MVA from older generators.
Looking ahead, a 120 MVA generator is set to be installed, further boosting power supply to areas such as Mbagala, Gongo la Mboto, and the surrounding regions, with distribution running through the Ubungo I power station.
This is crucial as the city's electricity demand grows at a rate of 6% to 16% annually, prompting the fast-tracked installation and distribution of energy solutions.
During his remarks, Eng. Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, the newly appointed Managing Director of Tanesco, acknowledged the government’s collaboration in addressing the rising energy demands.
He expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for supporting the development of energy infrastructure projects across the country.
These initiatives aim to ensure that all Tanzanians, from rural areas to urban centers, benefit from reliable electricity for both domestic and economic uses.
Eng. Gissima also mentioned that the Kinyerezi I power station currently operates at full capacity, generating 335 MW using natural gas, which is then distributed to Ubungo, Gongo la Mboto, Mbagala, and other areas, significantly improving the national grid's reach and stability.
