Major natural gas refilling station to be completed by December

Dar es Salaam. Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Dr James Mataragio, has issued a directive for the completion of a major natural gas refilling station at the University of Dar es Salaam by December 2024.

This critical project, undertaken by China's Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd, aims to enhance the country’s clean energy infrastructure.

Strategic initiative for clean energy

The new refilling station will boast the capacity to compress three million cubic feet of natural gas per day, providing a significant boost to both the automotive and industrial sectors.

Among the beneficiaries will be the Kairuki Pharmaceutical Factory in Kibaha, Coast Region.

“This initiative is part of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader strategy to promote the use of clean energy,” Dr. Mataragio emphasized during his site visit on July 18, 2024. “We aim to use this station to transport natural gas to underserved areas via special vehicles, ensuring the project's completion before December.”

Expanding gas infrastructure

The station at the University of Dar es Salaam is set to serve vehicles and other gas refilling stations, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding investment in the gas sector. Emanuel Gilbert, Director of Downstream Operations at the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), noted that the new facility would enable residents of Morogoro, Mbeya, and Tanga to access natural gas through specially designed transportation vehicles.

“In addition to serving vehicles in Dar es Salaam, we will purchase new vehicles to deliver gas services to customers in other regions. By December, individuals in these areas can start their own gas stations and enter agreements with TPDC for gas supply,” Gilbert explained.

Boosting national gas utilization

Tanzania holds an estimated 230 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, with 57.5 trillion cubic feet already confirmed, ranking the nation 82nd globally. The gas, extracted from Songosongo Island in Kilwa District and Msimbati in Mtwara Region, is currently used for electricity generation and industrial operations.

The Tanzania Natural Gas Utilization Master Plan 2016-2045 allocates 8.8 trillion cubic feet for electricity, 500 billion cubic feet for households, 3.6 trillion cubic feet for industries, and 600 billion cubic feet for vehicles.

Growing network of refilling stations

Currently, key refilling stations include the main station in Ubungo, serving over 800 vehicles per day, the Tazara station under Enric Gas Technology Tanzania Limited with a capacity of 300 vehicles per day, and the Airport station, accommodating 1,200 vehicles per day.

TPDC, in collaboration with the private sector, plans to build 30 additional gas refilling stations across Dar es Salaam in areas such as Muhimbili, Kibaha, the University of Dar es Salaam, Sinza, Mwenge, Goba, Mbezi Beach, and Mbagala.

Moreover, TPDC intends to introduce vehicles equipped to transport natural gas to these new stations, further enhancing the accessibility and convenience of natural gas refueling services.

This ambitious project underscores Tanzania’s dedication to fostering sustainable energy solutions and supporting economic growth through strategic infrastructure development.