global geothermal news: october, page-24

Power rationing: Shame of the nation
EDITOR
DAR ES SALAAM

FOR the second time in less than two weeks, the power utility company, TANESCO, has resumed power rationing in the country, just because a foreign-rented thermal generating plant, Agrekko, has supposedly broken down.

Abundant coal reserves are found in Mchuchuma in south western Tanzania near the northern tip of Lake Nyasa. Recent studies indicate that Mchuchuma coal deposits can provide fuel for 400MW generation capacity for up to 35-40 years. There is an existing small coal mine at Songwe-Kiwira which started production in 1988 with initial production planned at 150,000 tonnes and reaching a maximum of 300,000 tonnes at maturity of the project.

Furthermore, the proven natural gas reserves located in SongoSongo Island are estimated to be 726 billion cubic feet. There is also a significant gas field at Mnazi Bay near Mtwara.

Untapped and yet to be properly assessed, the great potential of geothermal energy in the country could be used to easily harness electricity in the country.

There is also an abundant supply of water for hydro-power stations in the country, which is blessed by scores of lakes, rivers, rapids and other water sources.