ATC renewable energy hub takes shape

KILIMANJARO: THE installation of a power generation plant at the Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy at Arusha Technical College (ATC) located at the Kikuletwa Campus in Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region, has reached 85.5 per cent completion.

The campus is intended to serve as a hub for practical training for ATC students and the wider East African region. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in partnership with the World Bank and involves the construction of a 1.6-megawatt hydropower generation plant.

Once operational, the electricity generated is expected to supply Hai District and contribute to the availability of clean and sustainable energy for the local community.

The project has also created employment opportunities for more than 50 residents of Hai District.

Speaking on Monday during an official visit to the centre, Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir, said ATC Kikuletwa is set to become a centre of excellence for renewable energy training in East Africa.

She explained that the government has made significant investment through the World Bank-funded East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration (EASTRIP) project to transform the Kikuletwa Centre of Excellence into a regional and continental hub for renewable energy training.

“Once completed, this centre is expected to attract learners and professionals from neighbouring countries and beyond to pursue training in Tanzania. The centre is of strategic importance, as it will offer hands-on training in renewable energy generation, including hydropower, solar energy, wind energy and bioenergy,” said Ms Ameir.

The deputy minister further noted that the implementation of the EASTRIP project will position ATC as a leading institution for practical training in clean energy production.

She directed that the hydropower plant construction should be utilised to produce graduates with relevant industry skills, stressing the importance of directly involving instructors and students in the construction process to enhance academic capacity and improve training quality.

ALSO READ: YEAR ENDER: Voluntary compliance, reforms fuel TRA’s 2025 breakthrough

Ms Ameir also urged the college to strengthen collaboration with industries and education, science and technology institutions, both locally and internationally. Such partnerships, she said, would provide opportunities for staff and students to participate in joint research aimed at addressing social and economic challenges.

She added that, given the rapid pace of scientific and technological advancement, the college must keep abreast of these changes to equip students with skills aligned to emerging technologies.

The government, she said, will continue to support instructors to upgrade their competencies through training in institutions within and outside the country.

She further noted that the presence of the centre is expected to stimulate innovation and the development of solar energy technologies within Tanzania.

Meanwhile, ATC Principal Professor Musa Chacha said the implementation of the EASTRIP project has enabled the construction of the power generation facility, increased student enrolment particularly among female students and led to the introduction of 27 new curricula.

He said the project has also supported the development of new infrastructure at the Kikuletwa Campus, as well as the acquisition of modern teaching and learning equipment.

Prof Chacha added that, to ensure the success of competency-based education, the college has put in place strategies to encourage students to appreciate and pursue practical and technical education, particularly in renewable energy.

He noted that the power generation plant has been constructed and supervised by ATC lecturers, enabling them to gain first-hand experience in the development of clean energy infrastructure.

The centre is expected to enhance students’ practical skills in renewable energy disciplines and strengthen ATC’s position as a leading institution for training renewable energy professionals in East Africa.