In a significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions, the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC) has revealed its strategic plan to bolster alternative sources of electricity, aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Spearheading this initiative is the Ngozi Geothermal project situated in the Mbeya District, which is poised to generate 30 megawatts, constituting a portion of the total 70 megawatts.
The announcement was made by TGDC Managing Director, Mathew Mwangomba, during a three-day meeting attended by eminent scientists from the United States, New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, and other geothermally rich nations like Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, alongside representatives from the UN environmental unit.
Mr. Mwangomba highlighted the collaborative effort between TGDC and expert scientists to deliberate on the optimal approach for harnessing geothermal resources responsibly without causing environmental harm. He emphasized that recent findings from scientific studies indicated substantial geothermal potential in the Ngozi Crater area, approximately 20 kilometers south of Mbeya city, requiring drilling to a depth of 1200 meters to access temperatures of 250 degrees Celsius. This revelation underscores the vast untapped resources, with 16 regions in Tanzania identified as having geothermal potential, boasting around 50 sources.
"These resources hold the promise of boosting national revenue, facilitating job creation, and ensuring a reliable electricity supply," stated Mr. Mwangomba, underscoring the transformative impact of embracing renewable energy sources.
Echoing this sentiment, Eng Shakiru Kajugus, TGDC's Director for Business Development, noted that research on the Ngozi project, which commenced in 2015, has progressed to the final stages of implementation. He revealed that the ongoing drilling and research endeavors aim to ascertain the extent of available geothermal resources, paving the way for the commencement of 30 megawatts of generation by 2025, as part of phase one of the project.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of Mbeya Regional Commissioner Juma Homera, Chunya District Commissioner Mbarak Batenga emphasized the significance of embracing alternative energy sources to address the prevailing electricity challenges in the country. He expressed optimism about the potential benefits that Tanzania stands to gain from the Ngozi project and other initiatives in the Mbeya region, highlighting the anticipated generation by 2025.
"With scientists from various nations convening for this high-profile meeting, Tanzania is poised to adopt reliable alternative energy sources," remarked Mr. Batenga, signaling a paradigm shift towards sustainable development and energy security.
The unveiling of TGDC's strategic plan underscores Tanzania's commitment to harnessing renewable energy resources to combat climate change and foster socio-economic development, marking a significant milestone in the nation's energy transition journey.