Gas pipeline to be complete next month

TRANSPORTATION of natural gas from
Madimba in Mtwara to Kinyerezi I Power Plant in Dar es Salaam will start
early next month after completion of the construction of the
542-kilometre natural gas pipeline project.

According to the Minister for Energy and
Minerals, Mr George Simbachawene, the transportation of natural gas
will save over 1 1.6tri/- per year currently spent on importation of
fuel for electricity generation.

The pipeline will have an installed
capacity of transporting 784 million standard cubic feet daily, a volume
which can generate over 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, including
the 300MW plant at Mnazi Bay.

Mr Simbachawene noted that upon
completion of the infrastructures, the project would see the country
getting reliable electricity supply, expansion and increase of
industrial production, cleaner environment and employment creation.

The Minister made his remarks yesterday
in Dar es Salaam after he visited Kinyerezi 1 Power Plant to inspect the
progress of the implementation of the project carried out by
contractors, TANESCO as well as Tanzania Petroleum Development
Corporation (TPDC).

He urged Tanzanians to be patient as
TANESCO will cut off electricity where repairs will be done so as to
ensure the availability of gas electricity in most parts of the country.

He stressed that the availability of
natural gas will help reduce the use of water where in some of the
hydroelectric dams that have slowed down production due to climate
change and environmental degradation.

Kinyerezi I Power Plant, Eng John Mageni noted that two out of four machines are complete and will produce 220Kv of electricity.

“The machines are currently on a test
run and within two weeks will be complete,” said Eng Mageni adding that
by early September this year, natural gas from Mtwara will be available
at the plant ready to be distributed to various sub stations including
the national grid.

In a related development, TANESCO
Managing Director, Eng Felchesmi Mramba said when Kinyerezi 1 Power
Plant kicks off, the company would significantly reduce the cost of
power supply.

He added that 150MW are expected to be
produced after the completion of the construction of Kinyerezi 1
Electricity Power Plant, a step towards the execution of the
government’s aim of adding electricity capacity on the national grid.