Tanzania eyes additional 122 megawatts from its solar energy projects

DODOMA: TANZANIA is stepping up the use of solar energy in electricity generation, with the government targeting an additional 122 megawatts (MW) from ongoing and planned solar projects.

The Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, made the statement at the parliament in Dodoma earlier today noting that the move is part of efforts to expand generation capacity, strengthen reliable and sustainable electricity supply and reduce dependence on a single source of power.

Ms Makamba was responding to a question from Special Seats MP Ambassador Dr Pindi Chana who sought to know the government’s plan to use solar energy to address challenges facing women in Njombe Region.

On answering the question, the deputy minister said that Tanzania is implementing various renewable energy projects through Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO).

ALSO READ: Tanzania invites Turkish investors to tap into its rich investment opportunities

Elaborating, she stated that the projects are being implemented alongside the government’s Generation Mix strategy, which seeks to diversify electricity generation sources.

“Currently, solar-generated electricity contributes 65MW to the national grid, with small power producers (SPPs) accounting for 15MW from solar sources,” she said.

She added that another 100MW is expected upon completion of Phase Two of the Shinyanga Solar Power Project.

An additional 22MW would come from three SPP projects that are in the final stages of construction, she added.

The Deputy Minister said investments in renewable energy is part of the government’s broader strategy to increase the contribution of clean energy to electricity generation while ensuring reliable and sustainable power supply.

Moreover, she said diversifying generation sources will also help reduce the country’s reliance on a single source of electricity generation.