Biteko: Tanzania to begin geothermal drilling in April
Deputy Prime Minister and minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko,
What you need to know:
- Tanzania’s decision to expand electricity production sources underscores a strategic commitment to projects like geothermal energy. The government aims to secure a reliable and sustainable power supply to meet the growing energy needs of its citizens.
Dar es Salaam. The deputy Prime Minister and minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has disclosed plans to start drilling geothermal wells in Tanzania in April 2024, which is a major step forward for the country’s energy sector.
The drilling goal is to examine geothermal resources and potential before beginning power production from renewable energy sources.
The minister made the announcement during a tour of geothermal power generation sources and facilities in Naivasha Town, Nakuru County, Kenya.
During the visit, he praised the progress made by the Kenyan power generation company, KenGen, which already produces over 799 megawatts of geothermal electricity, constituting more than 60 percent of the country’s total electricity.
“Tanzania has allocated funds to develop geothermal sources, and in collaboration with KenGen, drilling operations will commence in April. The areas of focus include Ngozi and Kiejo-Mbaka in Mbeya Region,” said Dr Biteko.
KenGen’s manager for geothermal development, Mr Peketsa Mangi, expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the two nations in advancing geothermal development.
He highlighted the positive collaboration with Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC) experts and conveyed KenGen’s readiness to ensure the success of the drilling activities.
Tanzania’s decision to expand electricity production sources underscores a strategic commitment to projects like geothermal energy. The government aims to secure a reliable and sustainable power supply to meet the growing energy needs of its citizens.
Accompanying Dr Biteko on the tour were notable figures, including the deputy minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Stephen Byabato; the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Mr Felchesmi Mramba, Tanzanian ambassador to Kenya, Mr Benard Kibesse and the managing director of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), Mr Gissima Nyamo-Hanga.
The move marks a significant step forward in Tanzania’s pursuit of clean and renewable energy sources, contributing to both energy security and environmental sustainability.
