ELECTRICITY generation in Tanzania is set to receive a boost following an application by a local company to produce 150MW of hydro-power at Kitonga Valley in Iringa region.
The independent power producer (IPP), Kitonga Electric Power Company Limited, has applied for a licence to construct and operate a hydroelectric power plant from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA).
The industry regulator said in a statement that 140MW of the electricity will be sold to the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) through power purchase agreement. The remaining 10MW will be distributed to nearby villages of Image, Lyasa, Ibumu, Ikokoto, Mlafu and Iyai.
"Any person who wishes to make any representations or objections with respect to the application should do so in writing to EWURA not later than March 8, 2013," said part of the statement which was signed by the Director General of EWURA. The licence is for a period of 15 years and the power plant will be utilizing water from Lukosi River in the Kitonga valley.
At present, Tanzania generates its power using hydroplants located in Mtera, Kidatu, Kihansi, Pangani, Hale and Nyumba ya Mungu in addition to heavy fuel-powered Independent Power Tanzania Limited (IPTL) at Tegeta area in Dar es Salaam. The country also produces power at three gas-fired plants using natural gas from Songo Songo Island in Lindi region.
Two of the gas plants are located at Ubungo and one in Tegeta area. Total installed capacity is currently at 1,095MW including 180MW from temporary sources. Private capacity account for 480MW including the temporary sources while peak demand is close to 900MW.
Power generation set to be intensified in few years to come after a completion of a mega pipeline to transport natural gas from Mnazi Bay in Mtwara region to Dar es Salaam.
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