JNHPP SET TO END POWER RATIONING IN TANZANIA BY MARCH 2024.

1. Introduction.

In a remarkable stride towards alleviating Tanzania's persistent power shortage, the government has announced the imminent end of power rationing, slated to cease in March 2024. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Doto Biteko, also serving as the Energy Minister, hailed this development as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) commences injecting electricity into the national grid. 

 

The successful operation of the project's first turbine, generating 235MW, marks a significant achievement that has slashed current power rationing by an impressive 85%. Dr. Biteko credited this early success to the dedication of the energy ministry and the project's contractors, Arab Contractors and El-Sewedy Electric Company Joint Venture Company (JVACEE).

It is easy to criticize and find fault during challenges, but in moments of remarkable achievement and milestone success, it is equally important to acknowledge and congratulate, as Tanzania celebrates the imminent end of power rationing, a significant milestone made possible by the diligent efforts of the government. 

 

The strides made in the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) signify not just a triumph over adversity but also a testimony to Tanzania's commitment to overcoming its energy challenges with foresight and determination.

This remarkable progress highlights the strong dedication of Tanzania's sixth-phase government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in ensuring the timely completion of the JNHPP. When President Hassan assumed office, the project was only 33% complete, but under her leadership, it has surged to an impressive 96.28%. 

 

This milestone not only signifies an approaching end to power rationing but also demonstrates Tanzania's proactive approach to meeting its growing energy demands. The government's foresight in prioritizing long-term solutions to the country's electricity challenges is evident, with plans to reach a power production target of 10,000MW for the national grid by 2035.

2. Powering Tanzania's Future.

The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) in Tanzania stands as a symbol of hope for the country's energy sector and a demonstration of its commitment to sustainable development. This ambitious project, located in the Rufiji River Basin, is poised to become the largest hydropower plant in Tanzania upon completion, with a planned capacity of 2,115 megawatts.

 

Initiated in 2018, the JNHPP represents a strategic response to Tanzania's escalating electricity demand and aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels for power generation. Led by the state-owned Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), the project aligns with the government's broader vision to enhance energy security and drive economic growth through sustainable means.

At its essence, the JNHPP embodies the promise of stability and reliability in power supply, essential for supporting industrial expansion and improving electricity access, especially in rural areas. 

 

Central to its design is the construction of a roller-compacted concrete dam, creating a reservoir with a vast storage capacity of about 34 billion cubic meters. Beyond electricity generation, this reservoir will serve multiple purposes, including irrigation, fisheries, and domestic water supply, highlighting the project's comprehensive approach to development.

 

Furthermore, the JNHPP is expected to stimulate socio-economic progress by generating employment opportunities and catalyzing economic activities in the surrounding regions. As such, the project represents a crucial moment in Tanzania's journey towards sustainable energy development and economic prosperity.

The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, often referred to as the largest in the East African Community, is a monumental project set to reshape Tanzania's energy landscape. With an estimated cost of US $2.9 billion, the project demonstrates Tanzania's ambition and commitment to adopting clean energy solutions. 

 

Upon completion, the station will boast an installed capacity of 2,115 megawatts, producing a staggering 5,920 gigawatt-hours of power annually. The electricity generated will be seamlessly integrated into the national grid through a new 400kV high-voltage power line, further strengthening Tanzania's energy infrastructure.

The construction of a 134-meter arched concrete dam will create a reservoir lake stretching over 100 kilometers and holding an impressive 34 billion cubic meters of water. This reservoir not only ensures reliable power generation but also opens avenues for various water related activities, promising a comprehensive approach to resource management. 

 

Owned and managed by Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), the project is poised to revolutionize Tanzania's energy sector, enhancing access to affordable and reliable electricity that will drive economic growth and attract investments, propelling the nation towards a brighter and more sustainable future.

3. JNHPP's Power Injection.

The successful injection of electricity into Tanzania's national grid from the first turbine of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) is a monumental achievement, reducing current power rationing by 85%. This milestone, with 235MW now being supplied, signifies a significant step towards meeting Tanzania's growing energy demands. It highlights the project's crucial role in enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 

 

This success reflects the dedication of all involved, from contractors to the energy ministry, and shows Tanzania's commitment to sustainable energy development.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan's leadership has been instrumental in driving the JNHPP's success, leading the project from a 33% completion rate to an impressive 96.28%. Her government's commitment to seeing the project through demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing Tanzania's energy challenges. 

 

As Tanzania celebrates this achievement, it is crucial to recognize the collective effort that has made it possible. The injection of electricity from the JNHPP's first turbine not only ends power rationing but also marks a significant milestone towards achieving sustainable energy development in Tanzania.

This achievement also reflects positively on Tanzania's broader energy strategy, aligning with the country's long-term goal of diversifying its energy mix and promoting renewable energy sources. The JNHPP's successful operation demonstrates Tanzania's potential to become a regional leader in sustainable energy development, setting a positive example for other African nations. President Hassan's government has shown a commitment to innovation and progress, laying a strong foundation for Tanzania's future energy security and economic growth.

4. Conclusion.

With the injection of 235MW into the national grid, the JNHPP has not only alleviated the current power shortage but has also significantly reduced power cuts by 85%, paving the way for a more reliable electricity supply. This achievement, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Doto Biteko and under the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, marks a monumental step towards ending power rationing by March 2024.

 

Additionally, once the second turbine becomes operational, the JNHPP is expected to produce a surplus of 70MW, further bolstering Tanzania's energy security and driving economic growth.

The success of the JNHPP is not just about meeting immediate energy needs but also about laying the groundwork for a more electrified future in Tanzania. By adopting sustainable energy solutions, Tanzania is not only ensuring a more reliable power supply but also reducing its environmental footprint. 

 

This project serves as a model for other nations, signifying the benefits of investing in renewable energy sources and prioritizing the well-being of future generations.

As the JNHPP continues to inject power into the national grid, it is also injecting hope and prosperity into the lives of Tanzanians. Access to reliable electricity opens up a world of possibilities, from enhancing education and healthcare services to boosting economic growth and creating new opportunities for businesses.

 

The impact of this project extends far beyond the scope of energy, touching every aspect of Tanzanian society and leading the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

In the records of Tanzanian history, the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) will be remembered as a transformative milestone, a symbol of progress, and a demonstration of the power of visionary leadership and strong commitment to sustainable development. As Tanzania continues on its journey towards prosperity, the JNHPP serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a nation dares to dream big and remains dedicated to realizing those dreams.

Thank you.

Written by Christopher Makwaia

Tel: +255 789 242 396

- The writer, is a University of West London graduate (formerly Thames Valley University) and an expert in Management, Leadership, International Business, Foreign Affairs, Global Marketing, Diplomacy, International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Negotiations, Security, Arms Control, Political Scientist, and a self-taught Computer Programmer and Web Developer.