DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) successfully tested its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station yesterday, including the refuelling of motor vehicles and tricycles, to ensure that all equipment function smoothly.
The test was a success and the station is on track for its official opening at the end of next month.
“The test was successful. The station is designed to refuel vehicles and tricycles … we successfully tested its ability to fill up to eight motor vehicles simultaneously, including a large gas truck,” TPDC Project Manager Engineer Lilian Zambi told the ‘Daily News’ yesterday.
“During the process, we also checked other equipment, including compressors and gradually adjusted the pressure to ensure everything was operating efficiently,” she said.
Eng Zambi added, “We’re conducting this test to ensure our plant is working as expected and to identify any potential issues, such as gas leakage. By addressing these in advance, we’ll be fully prepared for a smooth official launch.”
She said that TPDC would continue the testing process over the next three weeks to ensure everything is in order before the official start at the end of April.
“What is happening now is a series of tests until we are satisfied. We will continue testing for the next few weeks,” Eng Zambi said.
Meanwhile, Eng Zambi stated that while testing continues, TPDC will also seek approval from the relevant authorities to ensure all necessary procedures are completed by April.
The Mother Station project, constructed by TPDC at Mlimani along Sam Nujoma Road, is valued at 14.55bn/- and represents a significant government investment.
The project, which began in May 2024, will feature four gas dispensers and has the capacity to accommodate up to eight vehicles at a time. It will also include three loading gantries for CNG tube trailers, which will distribute gas to smaller stations.
This mother station will serve smaller stations under construction in various regions, particularly those that currently lack access to gas. These smaller stations will receive their supply through CNG tubes.
Eng Zambi explained that refuelling times will vary from 45 minutes to three hours, depending on the size of the containers, ranging from 10 to 40 feet.
ALSO READ: More CNG stations to be constructed across Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, the country’s business hub, currently has four fully operational CNG stations: Ubungo Maziwa, Temeke, Mandela Road and Ilala near the airport.
The number of citizens converting their vehicles from fuel to gas has increased, with around 5,000 cars now using CNG.
