Tanzania’s Shinyanga Region Launches 150MW Solar Project, Pioneering Renewable Energy Shift.

By Adonis Byemelwa

On March 13, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, took a significant step forward in Tanzania's energy landscape by inaugurating a pioneering solar power project in Ngunga Village, Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region. This project, boasting a capacity to generate 150 megawatts, underscores Tanzania's commitment to diversifying its electricity sources and reducing reliance on water and natural gas for power generation.

Dr. Biteko outlined the project's timeline, stating that it will commence generating 50 megawatts by January 2025, aligning with President Samia Suluhu Hassan's directive to bolster electricity sources in response to the current supply inadequacy.

 In addition to the solar project, Dr. Biteko highlighted other ongoing initiatives, including the Songwe Geothermal Project in Mbeya, where excavation is set to begin in the Ngozi area on April 1st. He also mentioned the progress of the 100-megawatt wind power project in Makambako, where compensation processes have already commenced.

The implementation of such projects positions the Shinyanga Region as a pivotal hub for electricity in the Lake Zone. Currently, the region hosts three major power stations - Ibadakuli, Bulyanhulu, and Buzwagi - which play a crucial role in distributing electricity to various regions across the country. Dr. Biteko further revealed plans to expand the Ibadakuli station to enhance its capacity for both domestic and international electricity supply. Agreements within the East African electricity sector aim to establish a 400 kV transmission line connecting Ibadakuli to Masaka in Uganda, thereby linking Tanzania and Uganda via Kagera.

However, despite these strides, rural electrification in Shinyanga Region remains incomplete, with 127 out of 509 villages still lacking access to electricity. Dr. Biteko urged contractors to expedite electrification projects, emphasizing the government's intolerance for negligence in project execution. Furthermore, he instructed TANESCO and REA to ensure prompt electricity provision to citizens and transparent communication regarding any challenges in electricity supply.

Tanzania's ambitious goals in the energy sector coincide with the nation's efforts to combat the effects of climate change. These goals include a substantial increase in the utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, small-scale hydropower, geothermal, and biomass. President Samia Suluhu Hassan's commitment to increasing the use of renewable energy by 80% by 2025 underscores Tanzania's determination to embrace sustainable energy sources.

While questions linger regarding Tanzania's ability to achieve these ambitious targets within the remaining three years, energy stakeholders remain optimistic. Sisty Basil, Executive Director of the Elico Foundation, believes that with political will and concerted efforts, reaching these targets is feasible. Basil highlighted the government's significant investments in renewable energy projects, particularly in rural areas, as a key driver of progress.

However, challenges persist, including the absence of a comprehensive renewable energy policy. Engineer Prosper Magali, Chairman of the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA), stressed the importance of developing such a policy to provide clear guidelines for implementation. Magali emphasized the need for expanded collaboration with the private sector to attract investment and accelerate progress in the renewable energy sector.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan's recent statements indicate a shift in focus towards renewable energy, signaling a promising future for Tanzania's energy landscape. Magali urged the government to translate these statements into action to enhance energy access and contribute to the nation's development goals.

Tanzania possesses abundant renewable energy sources, yet their potential remains untapped due to high production costs. However, with renewed focus and strategic initiatives, Tanzania is poised to harness the power of renewable energy to drive economic growth and sustainable development.

Former Energy Minister January Makamba's emphasis on implementing renewable energy projects in the government's budget highlights a commitment to prioritizing renewable energy development. These projects, encompassing geothermal, biomass, wind, and solar energy, along with efforts to promote energy efficiency and conservation, signify Tanzania's determination to embrace a sustainable energy future.

Former Energy Minister January Makamba's emphasis on implementing renewable energy projects in the government's budget underscores the critical importance of electricity access in rural areas of a developing country like Tanzania. In these regions, reliable electricity infrastructure is not just a convenience but a lifeline, enabling essential services such as healthcare, education, and communication to thrive. With electricity, rural health centers can refrigerate vaccines, power medical equipment, and provide better healthcare services, improving overall community health outcomes.

Moreover, electrification enhances educational opportunities by enabling access to computers, internet connectivity, and educational resources, empowering youth with knowledge and skills for a brighter future. Additionally, electrification fosters economic growth and entrepreneurship in rural communities, providing opportunities for small businesses to flourish, creating jobs, and lifting households out of poverty. Thus, Dr. Doto Biteko’s commitment to renewable energy projects reflects Tanzania's broader vision of fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all its citizens, especially those in rural areas.