Tanzania revives Kinyerezi III project to boost power generation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, revealed during a visit to the Kinyerezi power plant site in the city yesterday that the project would have the capacity to generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity.

The original plan was for Kinyerezi III to generate 600 megawatts, but the government has now opted to scale up production capacity in response to rising national demand.

“There is a growing need for power every day. Tanesco has now taken a strategic step to expand electricity production by an additional 1,000 megawatts at Kinyerezi. This expansion will complement other sources like solar and hydropower as we strive to meet the nation’s energy needs,” said Dr Biteko.

The move to enhance gas-fired generation aligns with earlier plans to strengthen energy resilience, particularly during periods of drought that may affect hydropower output.

Kinyerezi III was to be constructed over 10 years ago alongside the 535-kilometre Mtwara–Dar es Salaam gas pipeline through a $1.23 billion concessional loan from China’s Export-Import Bank.

While the pipeline was built and inaugurated in October 2015 by former President Jakaya Kikwete, shortly before he left office, the Kinyerezi III power plant was not.

Following a change in administration, government priorities shifted to the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which has since been completed and is now feeding power to the national grid.

Yesterday, Dr Biteko also announced a planned electricity transmission line from Chalinze to Kinyerezi and eventually to Mkuranga, in response to increasing industrial activity in the coastal corridor.

“We have identified areas with rising industrial activity, and this infrastructure will help stabilise and extend electricity access to support industrial growth,” he said.

He highlighted progress in reducing regional disparities in energy access. Katavi, once reliant on diesel generators, now benefits from improved power supply, although other areas such as Kigoma still experience shortages.

“All these projects are being fast-tracked under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. This year alone, Parliament allocated over Sh2 trillion to the energy sector to enhance access to reliable power,” Dr Biteko noted.

He commended the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) for its improvements in service delivery, particularly in addressing customer concerns.

“I continue to receive positive feedback on how efficiently Tanesco resolves complaints. We expect to see even greater improvements going forward,” he said.

Quoting the State of the Economy Report 2024, Dr Biteko noted that the energy sector is now the country’s second-fastest growing, recording a growth rate of 14 percent—an achievement not seen in recent years.

“This is a clear indication of the innovation and hard work driving the sector, particularly from Tanesco and its dedicated workforce,” he added.

Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo, who accompanied the minister, praised the development of power infrastructure in Dar es Salaam, noting that districts like Kigamboni, with growing industrial zones, are benefiting significantly.

“In Dar es Salaam, many electricity challenges have been resolved. The availability of reliable power is a key factor in driving development and attracting investment,” he said.

Tanesco Managing Director Mr Lazaro Twange thanked Dr Biteko for his visit and acknowledged the young professionals working on the project.

“Visits like this are important because they help the public receive accurate information about the progress we are making in ensuring reliable electricity supply,” said Mr Twange.