DAR ES SALAAM: The construction of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is now at 80 percent of its completion, a senior government official announced on Monday.
The station is expected to begin operations by the end of January 2025, marking a major milestone in improving access to clean and efficient energy in Tanzania.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio, revealed his during a site inspection on Monday.
He noted that the project, initially scheduled for completion in December 2024, faced delays due to logistical challenges caused by the late arrival of equipment from China.
“The machinery has already been installed, and what remains are minor tasks such as connecting the electrical system. By January 16, 2025, construction will be complete, and we will begin testing the facility to ensure readiness for operation,” he said.
The project, costing 14.5 bn/-, includes the main refilling station as well as the purchase of nine vehicles and the construction of two additional CNG refilling stations at Muhimbili in Dar es Salaam and Kibaha in Pwani.
These secondary stations are intended to serve vehicles using natural gas as fuel.
Dr. Mataragio emphasized that the new infrastructure represents a significant advancement in expanding access to cleaner and more affordable energy.
He added that the UDSM CNG Mother Station will bolster the government’s efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Currently, key gas refilling stations in Dar es Salaam include the main station in Ubungo, the Tazara station managed by Enric Gas Technology Tanzania Limited, and the Airport station.
The completion of the UDSM Mother Station will bring the number of mother stations in the city to three.
To meet growing demand, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), in partnership with the private sector, plans to establish an additional 30 gas refilling stations across Dar es Salaam.
These will include locations such as Muhimbili, Sinza, Mwenge, Goba, Mbezi Beach, and Mbagala.
In October 2024, TPDC Acting Director of Oil and Gas Business, Eng. Emmanuel Gilbert, revealed plans to construct over 13 new gas stations by June 2025.
He acknowledged the increasing demand for compressed natural gas, noting that approximately 4,000 vehicles are currently using it, while the city’s existing stations can only serve 1,200 to 1,500 vehicles daily.
The UDSM CNG Mother Station is expected to play a vital role in addressing this gap, supporting the transition to cleaner energy, and facilitating Tanzania’s greener economy.
