JNHPP to cut 3 million tonnes of emissions yearly

DODOMA: THE Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) is expected to reduce up to three million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

This will significantly contribute to Tanzania’s climate action goals, which target to reduce between 138 and 155 million tonnes of emissions each year through various initiatives.

Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr Hamad Yussuf Masauni, made the remarks on Monday, while contributing to the debate on the government’s revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2025/26 financial year in the National Assembly in Dodoma.

He noted that, beyond the Rufiji-based power project, Tanzania is playing an increasingly important role in global climate efforts through strategic projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, forest conservation, waste management and mangrove restoration along the coastline.

“These efforts position Tanzania as a critical carbon sink, helping to absorb and offset greenhouse gases,” he said.

He said that climate change presents serious challenges for the country and the world at large, contributing to unpredictable weather patterns, drought and drying rivers, factors that hinder energy production and agricultural productivity.

“Extreme weather events, including floods, have also damaged infrastructure and affected key economic sectors such as tourism, particularly along our beaches. As a nation, we must unite with the global community to address these urgent challenges,” he said.

ALSO READ: UDOM student government launches innovative scholarship fund

Minister Masauni also pointed out that Tanzania’s vulnerability to climate change presents a major opportunity particularly in the carbon trading market, where the country stands to benefit economically through responsible environmental stewardship.

He highlighted recent legal reforms requiring all development projects to incorporate climate change considerations.

Mr Masauni said the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has now been empowered as a fullyfledged authority to enforce environmental laws and ensure compliance.

The minister further stated that the formal legal recognition of the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC) has enabled Tanzania to sign key carbon trade cooperation agreements with countries such as Japan, Norway and Denmark, opening up new market opportunities for carbon credits.

Mr Masauni commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her bold leadership in the environmental sector, which has enabled Tanzania to access major international funding, including from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Adaptation Fund (AF).

He also praised the Ministry of Finance for presenting a national budget that supports clean energy initiatives, including the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on automotive gas a move expected to reduce fuel consumption and promote the transition to cleaner energy in the transport sector.