Stamico, Tanesco target 200mw power from coal
ippmedia.com/en/news/stamico-tanesco-target-200mw-power-coal
August 11, 2021
11
Aug 2021
Polycarp Machira
News
The Guardian
Stamico, Tanesco target 200mw power from coal
THE State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) and Tanzania Electric Supply Co. Ltd (TANESCO) have signed an agreement of intent to produce 200 megawatts of electricity from coal, to be added to the national grid.
Director General Dr Tito Mwinuka.
Speaking briefly after signing the agreement here yesterday, STAMICO Acting Director General Dr Venance Mwasse said Kiwira has enough coal to produce electricity for more than a century.
The new project is expected to stabilise power production and export surplus electricity to neighbouring countries.
“This project will help add value to the mineral resource, allowing the nation to benefit greatly” he said, noting that the project is expected to start after experts have conducted a prior feasibility study.
He said that the project is in line with the government’s industrial economy drive which requires more and stable electricity production.
On his part, TANESCO Director General Dr Tito Mwinuka observed that the government is committed to increasing electricity production into the national grid through different sources, including coal.
The pact just signed is part of an initial agreement between the two institutions as experts commence initial studies anytime soon, he said, elaborating that the production of electricity from coal will reduce the cost of power and boost stability in the national grid.
The two major sources of electricity production in the country are gas at 55 percent and 36 percent from hydropower, he said, noting further that power production from coal will hence be the third source of power generation and probably the cheapest.
The Kiwira deposits have not been exploited for a long time and once production starts it will place 200 megawatts for the national grid.
TANESCO will have the responsibility to oversee implementation of the project, also helping to connect many households to nearest connection points, he added.