DAR ES SALAAM: The government is advancing with the installation of two new transformers with a combined capacity of 340 MVA at the Kinyerezi One natural gas power station as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the country’s electricity infrastructure in response to the rapidly growing demand for power.
This upgrade, which will integrate the new transformers with the existing 50 MVA unit, is designed to significantly enhance the station’s power generation capacity, which currently stands at 335 megawatts.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Judith Kapinga, explained that the recent surge in industrial and economic activities has driven a notable increase in electricity consumption, leading to a significant rise in demand for power across the country.
Citing Dar es Salaam as an example, Judith highlighted that electricity demand has surged from an average of six percent to 16 percent since last year, marking a dramatic increase.
The Deputy Minister remarked this during a visit to inspect the ongoing installation of the new transformers, which are part of a larger effort to improve electricity access in Dar es Salaam.
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She also highlighted other significant government projects aimed at improving power supply, including a 50-150 megawatt transmission line running from Kinyerezi to Gongo la Mboto and the upgrade of substations in Mbagala and Gongo la Mboto.
“The demand for electricity is increasing rapidly, which is why we are continuously implementing projects to enhance electricity access in Dar es Salaam. Our goal is to ensure that no Tanzanian experiences power shortages, so we can continue to meet the pace of economic and industrial development,” Kapinga stated.
TANESCO Managing Director, Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, emphasized that the increase in electricity demand, especially with the establishment of many factories in Mkuranga, has prompted the government to bring in the new transformers to boost electricity generation.
“We’ve expanded the capacity of this power station sevenfold to ensure we can meet the increasing electricity demand. This upgrade will ensure we can address this challenge for many years to come,” he stated.
He also reassured investors, especially those with industrial operations in Mkuranga, that these initiatives are aimed at strengthening the national power grid to support ongoing economic development and the growth of industries.
“I want to reassure the residents of Dar es Salaam and the Coastal region, particularly those in Gongo la Mboto, Dege, and Mkuranga, that TANESCO has completed the recent upgrades it started working on a few days ago. The new transformers are now operational, significantly reducing the strain on substations in Mbagala, Ubungo, Dege, and Gongo la Mboto,” he said.
