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.