Tanzania Shuts Down Five Hydroelectric Stations Due to Surplus Power Production

Tanzania has closed down five hydroelectric stations due to surplus electricity production in the national grid, according to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. The primary facility, Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, is generating enough power to supply major cities like Dar es Salaam, the country's commercial hub.

This is the first time Tanzania has shut down hydroelectric stations due to overproduction, a significant move for a country that has historically faced chronic power shortages. The 2,115MW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam is reportedly nearing full capacity due to heavy rains earlier this year.

Why this matters: Tanzania's surplus electricity production and ability to shut down hydroelectric stations signifies a significant achievement in the country's efforts to achieve energy security and reliability. This development could have substantial implications for Tanzania's economic growth, industrial development, and quality of life for its citizens.

Meanwhile, Kenya's Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the Eastern Africa Power Pool is developing discussions on how Independent Power Producers (IPPs) could sell power across the region, with IPPs supplying 33.5% of power to Kenya Power and Lighting Company in the year to June 2023.

In contrast, Nigeria, with an installed capacity of 13,000MW, faces challenges in providing electricity to 85% of its consumers, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has recently announced a substantial 240% increase in electricity tariffs for Band A consumers.

Prime Minister Majaliwa emphasized the significance of Tanzania's surplus power production, stating, "The Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station is generating enough electricity to supply major cities like Dar es Salaam, allowing us to shut down five other hydroelectric stations due to the surplus in the national grid." This development positions Tanzania as a potential electricity exporter in the region as discussions on cross-border power sales continue among Eastern African nations.

Key Takeaways

• Tanzania has shut down 5 hydroelectric stations due to surplus electricity
• The Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station can power major cities like Dar es Salaam
• Tanzania's surplus electricity production is a significant achievement in energy security
• Kenya is developing discussions on IPPs selling power across the Eastern Africa region
• Tanzania is positioned as a potential electricity exporter in the region