Tanzania makes first steps towards 200 MW geothermal development target
Mt. Meru, Arusha, Tanzania (source: flickr/ Roman Boed, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
9 Oct 2018
Tanzania Geothermal Development Company is expecting drilling rigs for geothermal development to arrive later this year, with an initial development target of 5 MW by 2020, 20 MW by 2022 and up to 200 MW by 2025.
Local news from Tanzania report that Tanzania Geothermal Development Company Limited (TGDC) is making steps towards geothermal development. The company is now preparing drilling activities with plans to develop up to 200 MW of geothermal power generation capacity by 2025.
As we reported, the company plans to start development near Ngozi in the Mbeya Region next year. During a contract signing with Italy-based ELC Electroconsult SPA yesterday, TGDC General Manager Kato Kabaka announced that drilling rigs are to be imported by the end of this year.
Initial development sees the development of 5 MW by 2020 and 20 MW by 2022. “Initial studies show availability of geothermal resource, enough to generate 100MW, but the actual amount will be determined after drilling activities have taken place.
In order to push forward with the planned 200 MW, more projects are foreseen in Songwe, Kyejo Mbaka and in Luhoi, Coast Region, according to Mr Kabaka. Initial feasibility studies show potential for those areas.
TGDC also sees opportunities of geothermal energy utilisation beyond power generation, naming cropdrying, greenhouse agriculture and possibly fish farming and bathing facilities.
Source: Tanzania Daily News
