Government seeks investors for power expansion

DODOMA: THE government is inviting private investors to participate in expanding electricity generation as the nation targets increasing installed power capacity to 8,000 megawatts by 2030 through a diversified mix of hydropower, solar, wind and geothermal energy.

Deputy Minister for Energy, Ms Salome Makamba said the target opens significant opportunities for investors with the financial, technological and technical capacity to support the country’s growing energy needs.

“The government aims to achieve this increase in generation through a mix of energy sources, including hydropower, solar, wind and geothermal. This will help diversify electricity sources, strengthen energy security and improve the reliability of electricity supply for citizens and economic activities,” she said.

Ms Makamba made the remarks during talks with executives from PowerChina, led by the company’s Vice-President for East and Southern Africa, Yu Haian, who visited the Ministry of Energy at Mtumba Government City in Dodoma to discuss investment opportunities and cooperation in the sector.

She said private-sector participation will play a critical role in expanding electricity generation and strengthening energy infrastructure as demand continues to grow.

For his part, Mr Yu said PowerChina is interested in investment opportunities in Tanzania, particularly in electricity generation, transmission, distribution and storage.

“Tanzania has abundant water, solar, wind and geothermal resources that could be harnessed to increase electricity generation and strengthen energy security,” he said.

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Mr Yu said the company had studied Tanzania’s energy development plans and identified substantial opportunities for cooperation with the government.

The investment drive builds on the country’s recent expansion in electricity production following the commissioning of the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), which more than doubled national generation capacity.

The project, inaugurated by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan in Rufiji District, Coast Region, raised Tanzania’s installed electricity capacity to 4,646 megawatts against a peak national demand of 2,271 megawatts, creating a surplus of 2,375 megawatts.

JNHPP comprises nine generating units, each producing 235 megawatts, making it one of Africa’s largest operational hydropower plants.

Within the East African Community, Tanzania now leads in installed electricity capacity, ahead of Kenya’s 3,840.8 megawatts and Uganda’s 2,098.2 megawatts, while Rwanda and Burundi remain significantly behind.

The government says the 2030 target is expected to attract both local and international investment in electricity generation, transmission and distribution as the country expands reliable power supply to support industrialisation and economic growth.