Eight turbines installed at JNHPP as Tanzania’s energy future brightens

Dodoma. Eight of the nine turbines at the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) have been installed, with the final one expected to be completed by the end of this month, Parliament was told on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, provided the update during a debate on a resolution to commend President Samia Suluhu Hassan for hosting the 2025 Africa Energy Summit (Mission 300).

The resolution, tabled by Special Seats MP Asia Halamga, was debated by MPs and passed unanimously.

Speaking in Parliament, National Assembly Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson confirmed that the initiative was introduced by female lawmakers.

Dr Biteko outlined two key reasons Tanzania was chosen to host the summit: the country’s rapid expansion of electricity access in rural areas compared to other African nations, and its strengthened diplomatic relations.

He noted that Tanzania’s electrification efforts have attracted global interest, with some countries limiting the number of participants keen to learn from Tanzania’s success.

“For example, domestically, 497 Tanzanians were expected to attend, but only 90 participated,” Dr Biteko said.

He further highlighted that the JNHPP, costing Sh6.6 trillion, is set to generate 2,115 megawatts upon completion and that currently, Tanzania’s total electricity production stands at 3,404 megawatts.

Dr Biteko emphasised that the Ministry of Energy is committed to ensuring the practical implementation of the summit’s recommendations, stressing that no plans will be left unimplemented.

On clean energy, he said the government plans to increase service access from 6.9 percent to 75 percent, with renewable energy usage set to rise from 56 percent to 65 percent.

Meanwhile, Dr Ackson urged the ministry to redirect funds initially allocated for electricity projects towards other development initiatives to benefit more Tanzanians in need.