By Gloria Kalist
The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has achieved another major milestone in the country’s energy sector after officially commissioning a new 20-megawatt gas-fired power plant at the Mtwara II station, marking a historic moment for the Lindi and Mtwara regions.
The new investment increases the station’s capacity from 57.5MW to 77.5MW, making the southern regions self-sufficient in power supply.
As the project launched, now the southern zone has more surplus electricity in support for industrial growth, business expansion, and job creation.
Speaking during the launch, Mtwara Regional Commissioner Colonel Patrick Sawala expressed appreciation to the Government and the Ministry of Energy for their continued efforts to transform the energy sector and improve access to power for communities in the southern regions.
“We have every reason to commend and thank our President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, for expanding power generation capacity in Mtwara. This is a significant step towards improving the livelihoods of our people and stimulating industrial development in both Lindi and Mtwara,” said RC Sawala.
He added that the completion of the project creates new opportunities for investors to reliable power supply to establish industries and other economic ventures..
On his part, TANESCO’s Deputy Managing Director for Generation, Engineer Antony Mbushi, said the project forms part of the company’s broader plan to strengthen generation infrastructure and ensure reliable electricity supply nationwide.
“Initially, the Mtwara power plant had a generation capacity of 50 megawatts. With the addition of 20 megawatts, the capacity now stands at 77.5 megawatts, while the current peak demand is 38.5 megawatts. This allows us to comfortably meet current and future demand,” said Engineer Mbushi.
He thanked the Government through the Ministry of Energy, as well as TANESCO’s management, for their collaboration and commitment to delivering the project.
The commissioning of the gas-fired power plant is expected to accelerate socio-economic development in the Lindi and Mtwara regions by providing reliable and modern electricity for industrial production, business operations, and investment opportunities.