Will Tanzania's first solar power station feed into the national electricity grid?

Tanzania has entered into an agreement to construct the country’s first-ever solar photovoltaic power station to feed into the national electricity grid. The contract was signed on 29th May 29 2023, in Dodoma by the Tanzania Electricity Corporation (TANESCO), in the presence of the Minister of Energy, Hon. January Makamba.

Where is Tanzania's first solar power plant located?

Tanzania signed an agreement for the first solar power production plant, amounting to 50 MW in the Kishapu district of the Shinyanga region.

How much does solar energy cost in Tanzania?

The estimated cost for the first phase is TZS 109 billion, the works are expected to start in June 2023 and be completed within 12 months. During the event, the Minister of Energy acknowledged that this marks the first introduction of solar electricity into the national grid of Tanzania.

Which solar companies are based in Tanzania?

Sikubora – Sikubora originates from the USA, however, purely focuses on the Tanzanian market with it’s Pico Solar Home Systems. SolarGridTZ – SolarGrid is a Tanzanian company aiming to provide solar energy to 80% of the Tanzania population which does not have access to power yet.

What is a solar charging hub?

We are building a network of solar powered charging stations called "hubs" in communities beyond the electrical grid. Our customers rent portable batteries from the hub to take home and power most electronics. A single hub provides affordable and reliable access to electricity to hundreds of households.

Does Tanzania have a grid?

In Tanzania the national grid supplies electricity to 12% of the nation’s population, the majority of this supply being in urban areas. 75% of Tanzanian grid power is generated from large hydro sources the reliability of which is wholly dependent upon widely fluctuating rainfall patterns. Widespread load shedding and voltage reduction is common.