The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
15 May 2008
editorial
The Sh135 billion wind-to-electricity project that is already blowing over Singida is a good step towards greater electrification of the country. It is also a means to help diversify power sources to enhance capacity and avoid blackouts such as those that happened in early 2006 due to overdependence on hydroelectric power.
The Singida project is expected produce about 50 MW, equivalent to 10 per cent of the country's current total generation. This means that 10 projects of the size of the one at Singida would be able to cover the current national power generation.
With advancements in wind power equipment technology, electricity from winds is going to be more reliable and so countries such as Tanzania stand to have better alternative power sources.
Europe has advanced a lot in wind power technology. For example, Germany now produces more than 3,000 MW from wind turbines. And the target in the European countries is to have 50 per cent of all power generated by wind.
There is dire need for our Government and other stakeholders to consider investing heavily in alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power. The benefits of these sources are that the power potential is not limited and the sources never wear out, unlike the hydro-sources.
There have been advancements in harnessing solar power in Tanzania, but on very small-scales. More than 80 MW of electricity is estimated to be produced by individuals and institutions from solar sources.
Electricity production on a larger scale from both solar, wind and other cheap and clean sources is now more necessary than before.
As it braces itself for competition in the now liberalised power sector, it is high time Tanesco also diversified its sources instead of relying on expensive Independent Power Producers.
With the blessings of ample wind, especially in the flat areas such as Singida and Dodoma, and plenty of year-around sunshine, there is no point in the majority of Tanzanians continuing to wallow in darkness.
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Renewable energy is certainly an excellent way forward for Tanzania - I wonder if the government could also provide incentives for citizens to install solar hot water units at home, too? That would save us billions!