Image: uptymes.com
By Mandisa Nduli, Editor
Construction works on Tanzania’s 2. 115 MW Rufiji hydopower plant at Stiegler’s Gorge will commence in June, according to Tanzania’s Energy Minister Dr Medard Kalemani.
The Minister has noted that setting up enabling infrastructure for the project including the construction of linking roads, electricity and water supply is 80 percent complete.
During a recent site inspection, Dr Kalemani said: “The project will be completed in 26 months, which means it should be completed by 2022. The contractors have been given six months of mobilization and thus they will hit the ground by June.”
The project will require 30MW of electricity, which will be supplied by the Tanzania Electricity Supply Company (Tanesco).
“I have directed Tanesco to ensure they provide the required electricity to avoid stalling the project. Other government institutions should work jointly to ensure that everything is in place for the implementation of the power project,” the minister explained.
Currently, Tanzania’s energy mix consists of hydropower, natural gas, liquid fuel and biomass. The country’s current installed capacity is 1.6GW, which supplies power to just over 40 percent of the population. The Rufiji power plant will allow the country to produce affordable and reliable electricity.
