March 2024 Promises End to Tanzania’s Power Woes with Mega Boost, Declares Biteko.

By Adonis Byemelwa

Tanzania is on the brink of bidding farewell to its 18-day power rationing as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, declared that by mid-March 2024, the nation will be free from the electricity distribution crisis.

This optimistic announcement came on February 25, 2024, during Dr. Biteko's visit to the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), where he inaugurated the ninth turbine, contributing 235 megawatts to the national grid.

Dr. Biteko expressed confidence that the country will have a surplus of 70 megawatts by mid-March. This revelation follows the activation of turbine number nine, injecting 235 megawatts into the national grid and alleviating the burden of power rationing across the nation.

"By March 2024, turbine number eight will be operational, generating an additional 235 megawatts, resulting in an excess of 70 megawatts and ultimately eradicating the issue of power rationing," stated Dr. Biteko.

The official inauguration ceremony for both turbines (numbers eight and nine) is scheduled for March, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi expected to lead the event.

During his visit to the hydropower project, Dr. Biteko emphasized that the primary need for Tanzanians is access to electricity, echoing President Samia's strategy to eliminate power rationing. "President Samia's strategy was clear – to provide Tanzanians with electricity and eliminate power rationing. We thank the contractor; when we asked them to expedite the project, they worked day and night. We have injected 235 megawatts into the national grid today," Dr. Biteko stated.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, reported that the 235 megawatts from turbine number nine have already reduced power rationing in some regions, with complete cessation expected in the coming months. "At homes, in some areas, there is no more power rationing. Next month, we will introduce electricity from turbine number eight, followed by number seven, which is also progressing well. By December, all nine turbines will be operational," explained Mramba.

Moreover, Mramba emphasized the continued engagement of 10,000 local youths who participated in the Nyerere Dam construction, receiving special certifications. These individuals will be involved in various ongoing national projects.

 As for the water levels, Minister of Water Jumaa Aweso assured that the Kihansi and Kidatu hydropower dams have sufficient water, while the Julius Nyerere Dam is only four meters away from reaching its full capacity of 32.7 billion cubic meters.

Tanzania's power rationing began in September 2023 due to a shortfall in electricity production from various sources, including hydropower. President Samia Suluhu Hassan gave the newly appointed CEO of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, six months to ensure a reliable power supply, with the deadline set for March 25, 2024.

 On September 28, 2023, Nyamo-Hanga confidently declared that the electricity challenge in the country would be resolved by March this year. On February 6, 2024, the Tanzanian Parliament passed a resolution urging the government to ensure the swift completion and commencement of operations of the JNHPP project by February 2024, as promised.

While the promise to end power woes by March 2024 brings optimism, the broader context reveals a power sector grappling with challenges and missed opportunities. The government attributes the crisis to factors like insufficient rainfall, maintenance issues, and delays in the JNHPP commissioning. However, questions arise about the untapped potential of private investors and the readiness to embrace investments in renewable energy.

Critics argue that attributing Tanzania's power crisis solely to factors like insufficient rainfall, maintenance issues, and project delays overlooks the critical issue of stalled private investments in the energy sector. While the government points to these challenges, there is a growing call for a more holistic approach that includes exploring alternative and swiftly deployable solutions, such as wind and solar power, to address the current crisis.

Renowned countries worldwide, like Germany, have successfully averted energy crises by embracing robust renewable energy strategies. Germany's Energiewende, or energy transition, is a shining example of how a nation can shift from conventional energy sources to renewable alternatives seamlessly. Germany, with a significantly larger energy capacity than Tanzania, boasts over 200,000 megawatts, allowing the nation to reduce its dependence on traditional sources, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.

In Tanzania, where businesses are grappling with economic losses, production is hampered, and families face inconveniences due to power cuts, the urgency for a comprehensive and strategic approach to power generation becomes evident.

The government's acknowledgment of private investments and an exploration of successful global models, such as Germany's Energiewende, could offer valuable insights and pave the way for a more sustainable and reliable energy future in Tanzania. Despite Tanzania's current capacity of 1,900 megawatts, strategic planning and adoption of renewable energy models may help the nation enhance its energy landscape.